Facile synthesis of zirconium trisulfide and hafnium trisulfide nanobelts: Growth mechanism and Raman spectroscopy

High-purity zirconium trisulfide (ZrS3) and hafnium trisulfide (HfS3) nanobelts with maximal length of 2–5 mm have been successfully synthesized through a chemical vapor transport (CVT) process. XRD results show that ZrS3 and HfS3 crystallize in the monoclinic system. SEM images reveal that ZrS3 and HfS3 nanobelts have thickness ranging from 60 to 120 nm, and HRTEM images and ED patterns confirm that [100] is the dilated direction and [010] is the elongated direction for both the trisulfide nanobelts. The formation of these trisulfide nanobelts is interpreted by a vapor-solid mechanism. The results of Raman scattering show that a slight red shift and peak broadening are observed relative to those of large crystals, which may be induced by the phonon confinement effect.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► High-purity ZrS3 and HfS3 nanobelts with maximal length of 2–5 mm ► The optimum reaction conditions were confirmed. ► Raman spectra red shift and broaden induced by the phonon confinement effect.