Self assembly of shape-controlled ZnS nanostructures with novel yellow light photoluminescence and excellent hydrophobic properties

Large scale ZnS nanowire bundles and nanorod arrays have been successfully obtained by a facile solvothermal method at a mild temperature. The as-synthesized products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) and water contact angle (CA) measurements. These nanostructures grow along the [0001] direction and possess a single crystalline wurtzite structure. Possible formation mechanisms for the growth of the ZnS nanostructures were proposed based on the experimental results. PL spectra of the as-synthesized products presented strong yellow light emission peaks. Water contact angle data demonstrated that the ZnS nanowire bundles possessed an excellent superhydrophobic ability.