Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of hydrophilic ZnS nanoparticles

ZnS nanoparticles with an average diameter of 10 nm were synthesized by a solvothermal method under easily controlled and mild conditions. A composite surfactant for the preparation of ZnS nanoparticles was reported in order to improve the hydrophilicity. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize ZnS nanoparticles. The selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern indicated that ZnS was of high crystalline. The photoluminescence (PL) properties and water solubility of ZnS were investigated too. The photoluminescence characteristics indicated that ZnS nanoparticles exhibited a strong luminescent at 450 nm. Results of the contact angle demonstrated that the hydrophilicity has been improved greatly.