Rings and belts composed of ZnS nanoparticles formed at the air–water interface

Several nanostructures composed of fine ZnS nanoparticles was prepared at the air–water interface via reactions between Zn2+ and H2S under monolayers of 5,10,15,20-tetra-4-oxy(2-stearic acid) phenyl porphyrin (TSPP) at room temperature and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV–vis and fluorescent spectroscopy. It was found that networks and round rings were formed under different conditions, and belts appear in the pores of the networks. After ripening at 60 °C, the belts preserve with improved crystallinity of the nanoparticles. After treated at 300 °C, the belts preserve, too. The formation of the rings at room temperature should be attributed to the templating effect of liquid films formed by TSPP molecules at the interface, the formation of the belts should be attributed to the attachment of the cubic zinc blende ZnS nanoparticles possibly under the direction of linear supramolecules of TSPP.