Synthesis of ZnS nanoparticles by spray pyrolysis

Zinc sulfide is a II-VI semiconductor with a direct band gap in the near-UV region. Here, we demonstrate the preparation of ZnS nanoparticles (NPs) by spray pyrolysis using zinc diethyldithiocarbamate as a single-source precursor. Solutions of this precursor in toluene are dispersed into fine droplets by an atomizer, and then carried into a tube furnace where they evaporate fully. ZnS NPs then nucleate from the vapor phase. The NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), and optical spectroscopies. The NPs are about 3-20 nm in diameter and are crystalline, as indicated by the presence of lattice fringes in HRTEM, and by selective-area electron diffraction. Their XRD pattern shows a single peak, indexed to the (111) plane of the cubic zinc blende lattice. The UV absorption spectrum shows peaks in the range of 330-380 nm, and the NP's exhibit bright blue photoluminescent emission under UV illumination. copyright The Electrochemical Society.