Oleylamine as solvent and stabilizer to synthesize shape-controlled ZnS nanocrystals with good optical properties

We report on the synthesis of shape-controlled ZnS nanocrystals (NCs) through a facile and green phosphine-free one-pot method. Rod-, dot-shaped, and quasi-cubic ZnS NCs were prepared using oleylamine as coordinating solvent, zinc stearate as Zn precursor and sulfur powder, thiourea, and dodecanethiol as S precursors, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies showed that S source played an important role in synthetic process. When thiourea and dodecanethiol took place of sulfur powder, no nanorods but dot-shaped and quasi-cubic ZnS NCs were formed. Moreover, the obtained different morphologies of ZnS NCs exhibit good optical properties and hold promise for future applications in nanodevices, biomarkers, and so on.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We described a phosphine-free recipe for synthesizing ZnS NCs. ► ZnS NCs have three different morphologies. ► This wide variation of shapes is helpful in other shape-controlled synthesis. ► ZnS NCs exhibit good optical properties. ► ZnS NCs hold promise for future applications in nanodevices.