Optical properties of ZnS–carbon nanotubes composites

In this work we present a study of growth and characterization of ZnS/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites. The composites were prepared with a chemical mix technique and characterized by SEM analysis, Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) and Cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy. The analyses show that the sample is formed by a direct contact between CNT and zinc sulfide. In particular, SEM images show CNTs wrapped around ZnS micrometer particles. Furthermore, AES spectroscopy shows the absence of chemical bonds between ZnS and CNT and that the sample homogeneity increases with the CNT amount in the composite.Finally CL studies show that our composites present a visible luminescence signal centered at about 500 nm, with a shift of luminescence emission peak linked to the amount of CNT in the sample.

► The ZnS/CNT composites were prepared with chemical mix techniques.
► The obtained sample is formed by a direct contact between CNT and zinc sulfide as shown in SEM images.
► AES spectroscopy shows the absence of chemical bond between ZnS and CNT.
► Sample homogeneity increases with CNT amount in composites.
► A luminescence signal centered at about 500 nm is present, with a shift of main peak linked to CNT amount.