Synthesis and optical properties of ZnS hollow spheres from single source precursor

A facile one-pot synthesis of ZnS hollow spheres has been carried out via a chemical transformation induced inside-out Ostwald ripening process from a single source precursor. The size and shell thickness of the ZnS hollow spheres can be controlled by adjusting the reaction temperature and reaction time, respectively. Photoluminescence spectra show a dominant emission peak at 470 nm accompanied by several weaker peaks. UV–vis measurement reveals that the obtained ZnS hollow spheres exhibit “hollow effect”. The formation process of ZnS hollow spheres has been discussed.