Synthesis of complex 3D ZnS architectures via a template-free solvothermal approach and the optical properties

Abstract

The complex 3D ZnS architectures have been synthesized through the template-free solvothermal method in mixed solvents of ethylenediamine, ethanolamine and distilled water without any surface-active agent. The morphology, phase structure, composition and optical properties of the product have been characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and photoluminescence spectra (PL), the results show that the as-prepared complex 3D ZnS architectures show wurtzite structure and are highly crystalline. In addition to violet-blue band at 400–470nm which has been observed by many researchers in pure ZnS nanostructures, an extra strong yellow peak at around 570nm has been observed in the as-prepared sample, which usually observed in Mn-doped ZnS nanostructures. The mechanism has been discussed.