Highly ordered ZnS nanowire arrays embedded in anodic alumina membrane by a hydrothermal method with double diffusion

A new synthesis method of anodic alumina membrane (AAO) template with double diffusion through hydrothermal has been studied. Highly ordered ZnS nanowire arrays were fabricated through this method, using Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O and Na2S2O3·5H2O as zinc source and sulfur source. The characterization results from X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy showed that ZnS nanowires which were only obtained in the holes of the AAO template have a uniform diameter of about 60 nm, with regular spread. It was in accord with the size of the AAO holes, which confirmed the significant spatial limitations induced by the AAO template on the nanorod arrays.