Synthesis and characterization of ZrS3 nanocrystallites

ZrS3 nanocrystallites have been synthesized via a solvothermal route by the reaction between ZrCl4 and thiourea at relatively low temperature. The product was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope, X-ray fluorescence, Raman spectrum, and photoluminescence (PL). X-ray diffraction pattern shows the monoclinic cell of ZrS3 with the lattice constants a=5.128 Å, b=3.611 Å, c=9.012 Å, β=97.13°. The result of X-ray fluorescence gives a Zr(Hf):S mole ratio 1:2.97. The Raman spectrum of the ZrS3 nanocrystallites has a slightly red shift in comparison with that of ZrS3 single crystals. The room temperature photoluminescence of ZrS3 nanocrystallites is also reported.