Growth and properties of ZnO/ZnS core/shell nanostructures

ZnO nanorods were prepared in aqueous solution of zinc acetate dihydrate and hexamethylenetetramine with two-step methods. ZnO/ZnS core/shell structures were prepared by immerging ZnO nanorods in Na2S and nitrate hexahydrate aqueous solution alternately for different cycles. The structures were characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and spectroflurometer. The results show that ZnO/ZnS nanocables formed by one cycle and then hollows appeard in the core region With increasing shell growth cycle, ZnO core dissolved completely in some region, and quasiperiodic distribution of ZnO and hollows in ZnS tubes were observed. Photoluminescence of ZnO/ZnS core/shell structures was found intense than that of pure ZnO nanorods.