Controlled synthesis, conversion and photoluminescence properties of hierarchical flower-like ZnS(En)0.5 superstructures, ZnS and ZnO

Hierarchical flower-like ZnS(En)0.5 complex superstructures (En = ethylenediamine) assembly of nanosheets have been successfully synthesized through a facile hydrothermal method. It is found that ZnS and ZnO could be obtained by annealing ZnS(En)0.5 superstructures at 600 °C for 1 h in vacuum and in air, respectively. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show that the as obtained products are all purity phase structure. The scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) results show ZnS and ZnO have almost the same morphology as the obtained ZnS(En)0.5. Room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra reveal that the obtained ZnS(En)0.5 has a emission band at 520 nm and a shoulder band at 450 nm, ZnO has a emission band at 520 nm and ZnS has two emission bands at 570 nm and 635 nm. The absorption process, specific surface area and pore distributions of the as obtained ZnS(En)0.5, ZnS and ZnO were also characterized with UV-vis absorption spectrum, N2 isothermal adsorption and desorption experiment.