Synthesis of ZnS nanoparticles from pyridine adducts of zinc(II) dithiocarbamates

Zn(thqdtc)₂, Zn(thqdtc)₂(py) and Zn(thiqdtc)₂(py) (where thqdtc = 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolinecarbodithioate, thiqdtc = 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolinecarbodithioate and py = pyridine) have been used as single source precursors for the synthesis of ZnS nanoparticles. The formation of ZnS nanoparticles was achieved by thermal decomposition of the complex under heating in presence of triethylenetetraamine. Transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and powder X-ray diffraction studies were carried out to study the structure and morphology of the nanoparticles. The optical properties of the ZnS nanoparticles were studied by UV–visible and fluorescence emission spectral studies. UV–visible absorption spectral studies indicate a blue shift in the absorption maxima due to the quantum size effect. A single crystal X-ray analysis was carried out for a precursor Zn(thqdtc)₂].