Metal nanodroplets catalyzed growth of ZnS nanowires with a high aspect ratio via long-pulse-width laser ablation in the liquid phase

ZnS nanowires with a high aspect ratio were successfully prepared by long-pulse-width millisecond laser ablation of Cu/Zn binary metal target immersed in dodecyl mercaptan (DDM) liquid under room conditions. The formation of ZnS nanowires was determined by the Cu nanodroplets formed upon laser ablation and laser parameters. The Cu nanodroplets formed upon laser ablation were proposed to act as catalyst to promote the growth of ZnS nanowires via vapor-liquid-solid mechanism in relatively stable micro-environment that close to the surface of the target.