Growth of microtubular complexes as precursors to synthesize nanocrystalline ZnS and CdS

Microtubular complex precursors were grown via a hydrothermal route using ZnCl2 or CdCl2 and sulfur at 120 °C for 12–24 h. The tubular complexes precursors were composed of S2− and Zn2+ or Cd2+ ions and ethylenediamine (en) molecules. Microtubes consisted of nanocrystalline ZnS and CdS were obtained by annealing the precursors in nitrogen stream at 400 °C. The as-prepared precursors and annealed products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and combustion for C, N, H contents. The formation mechanism of microtubes is discussed. The synthesized precursors could be used as morphological templates to prepare nanostructure inorganic compounds.