Preparation and characterization of ZnS/poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) dendritical nanocomposites by γ-irradiation

Zinc sulfide poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) [ZnS/P(AM-co-AA)] nanocomposites with a dendritical structure were successfully prepared in one step by γ-irradiation technique in an aqueous system at room temperature and under ambient pressure. The results from X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis and IR spectrum of the final product showed the formation of ZnS nanoparticles and the polymerization of monomers, respectively. The photoluminescence (PL) peak of the as-prepared product centered at 450 nm, which showed an obvious red shift compared with the ZnS bulk material. The presence of copolymer was considered to be the main reason that influenced the shape and photoluminescence property of the composite.