Solution growth and optical property of ZnS/ZnO microspheres

Reported is a facile hydrothermal route for the production of ZnS/ZnO heterogeneous core-shell microspheres without the addition of any surfactants or templates. The microstructures and optical properties of the as-synthesised products were analysed by X-ray diffraction, a scanning electron microscope, and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. The as-obtained ZnS/ZnO microspheres have average diameters of about 2 µm. The effect of growth parameters on the morphologies is discussed in detail. A possible growth mechanism is proposed based on experimental results. A PL spectrum of the as-obtained product showed a strong ultraviolet emission peak and a large shoulder peak with wide range.