High-symmetry ZnS hepta- and tetrapods composed of assembled ZnS nanowire arrays

Sixfold symmetry heptapodlike and threefold symmetry tetrapodlike ZnS structures have been fabricated by thermal evaporation of a ZnS and SiO mixture source in N-2 at 1300 degrees C. Both the heptapods and tetrapods have been formed by the self-assembly of ZnS nanowires with the preferred (0001) orientations. Structures and morphologies of the obtained heptapods and tetrapods are thoroughly studied using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Room-temperature photoluminescence spectra taken from the nanostructures show a strong green emission centered at 550 nm. (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics.