Water driven stabilization of ZnS nanoparticles prepared by exploding wire technique

Abstract

ZnS nanoparticles, prepared employing exploding wire technique (EWT), demonstrate water-induced stabilization with time. The structural evolution of ZnS nanoparticles and their interaction with the surrounding aqueous media is systematically studied at the three distinct stages of time. The structural properties of nanoparticles were examined by an assortment of characterization techniques. However, in this article we focus on x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) investigation of nanoparticles. The XRD results indicate transformation of hexagonal phase of prepared ZnS nanocrystals. The lattice constants and strain in ZnS nanoparticles are estimated at each stage of transition. Alteration in crystal structure of ZnS nanoparticles, transforming in presence of water, is an outcome of gradual variation in lattice constants and strain. Variation in stoichiometry of ZnS nanoparticles, at respective stages of transformation, is found through XPS analysis. Furthermore, in order to determine the alterations in the oxidation state and energies of the nanoparticle constituents, line shape analysis of Zn 2p3/2 peaks at three stages, is also performed. Thus, XPS analysis, accompanied with the XRD interpretations, vividly deciphers the structural evolution of ZnS nanoparticles in aqueous environment.