Ion exchange growth of Zinc Sulfide quantum dots in aqueous solution

We report the growth by ion exchange synthesis of ZnS nanoparticles in MCM-41 matrices using Zn (CH3COO)2 and Na2S starting sources. The final product (ZnS/MCM-41) was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectrometry (IR) and UV-vis spectroscopy. Its crystalline structure and morphology was studied by XRD and scanning electron microscopy. Exciton absorption peaks at higher energy than the fundamental absorption edge of bulk ZnS indicates quantum confinement effects in nanoparticles as a consequence of their small size.