One-pot solvothermal strategy for the synthesis of ultrathin ZnS nanowires

Ultrathin ZnS nanowires with diameter of ca. 1.7 nm and length of ca. 150 nm were synthetized by using a simple, green, and catalyst-free solvothernial process at 140 degrees C. These as-prepared nanowires were obtained from the reactions between Zn2+ and thiourea by employing oleylamine as a surfactant. The effects of reaction temperature and amount of thiourea on the morphology and size of the ZnS nanowires were studied. The morphology and size of ZnS nanowires can be controlled by varying these experimental conditions. The formation mechanism and optical properties of the nanowires have also been discussed. UV-vis absorption and luminescence emission spectra show that ultrathin ZnS nanowires have strong quantum confinement effect. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.