Phase and shape controlling of MnS nanocrystals in the solvothermal process

MnS nanocrystals with different phases and shapes were prepared through solvothermal synthesis. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), UV–vis absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The solvent and reaction time played an important role in controlling the phase and shape of MnS nanocrystals. The possible mechanism of the shape evolution was investigated, which revealed that the crystal growth along the unique c axis of γ-MnS resulted in the rod-like MnS at the primary period, and the tetrahedral crystal seed of β-MnS with zincblende structure resulted in the interlinking of MnS rods, so the zigzag and three-branched and palm-like MnS appeared; with increasing reactive time the thermodynamically stable spherical α-MnS was favored through the Ostwald ripening process. The PL results showed that the intensity of γ-MnS was much weaker than that of α-MnS, and the trap state emissions of γ-MnS at 470 and 482 nm, respectively, disappeared, which might be ascribed to the difference of the shapes between the sphere and the rod or branch.