Controlled synthesis and photoluminescence properties of ZnS nanowires and nanoribbons

Rapid synthesis of wurtzite ZnS nanowires and nanoribbons has been achieved by a simple thermal evaporation of ZnS powder onto Si substrate in the presence of Au catalyst. A vapor-liquid-solid process is proposed for the formation of the ZnS nanostructures. The flow rate of the inert carrier Ar gas along with the temperature play an important role in defining the morphology of the ZnS nanostructures. The morphological change of the ZnS nanostructures and their growth sequence were studied through scanning electron microscopy. Room-temperature photoluminescence measurements showed intense blue emission at approximately 398 nm from both the nanowires and the nanoribbons.