Synthesis and optical properties of wurtzite ZnS nanorings

ZnS nanorings have been synthesized via thermal evaporation of ZnS powders at 1050 °C for the first time. The ZnS nanorings grew along the [101¯0] direction with a high density of stacking faults along the [0001] direction. The ZnS nanorings were believed to be formed by strain induced bending. This mechanism of ZnS nanoring formation is totally different from those proposed for the formation of ZnO, ZnSe, AlN and GaN nanorings via coiling of their polar surface and long-rang electrostatic interaction. This synthesis method of ZnS nanoring suggests that similar ring-like structures of other II–VI semiconducting nanomaterials may be synthesized.

Research highlights
► ZnS nanorings have been synthesized via thermal evaporation of ZnS powders at 1050 °C.
► The ZnS nanoring grows along the [101¯0] direction with a high density of stacking faults.
► The formation mechanism of ZnS nanoring is the strain induced bending, which is different from other nanorings.