Synthesis of nanocrystalline zinc sulfide in a non-aqueous system by gamma-irradiation

Gamma-irradiation has been applied to synthesize nanocrystalline ZnS with average size of 38 nm in a non-aqueous system at room temperature by utilizing homogeneous release of S2- ions from the decomposition of carbon disulfide under γ-irradiation. The structure, morphology, size and optical properties have been studied by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible spectrometer (UV-visible). The product containing zinc ions and the sulfur source has been characterized as β-ZnS, sphalerite phase, with spherical morphology and with a diameter average size of about 38 nm.The possible mechanism of formation of the product is suggested in accord with the experiment. (author)