Structure- and size-controlled ultrafine ZnS nanowires

We report the first synthesis of ultrafine zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanowires with a sphalerite structure. Large-area, high- and uniform-density ZnS nanowires were grown on Au-coated silicon substrates by hydrogen-assisted thermal evaporation. The product was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence (PL). The ZnS nanowires had a sphalerite structure, a growth direction along [1 1 1], diameters of 10–20 nm, and lengths of several micrometers. The PL spectrum of the ZnS nanowires was measured. The growth of the ZnS nanowires was explained with the vapor–liquid–solid model, and their structure could be controlled by the deposition temperature.