Synthesis and characterization of ZnS nanobelts based on substitution reaction

ZnS nanobelts have been fabricated by ion-exchange reaction using pure Zn powder and CdS nanopowder as starting materials. The morphology and microstructure of ZnS nanobelts were measured by scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the products consist of a large quantity of ZnS nanobelts, and the nanobelts are grown as bunches randomly distributed on the substrate. The root of the bunch shows that the nanobelts are grown from a site. The ZnS nanobelts have a uniform cross-section along their lengths, and typical lengths of several tens to several hundreds of micrometers. Au nanoparticles are located at or close to the tips of the ZnS nanobelts, served as the catalyst for the growth of the vapor-liquid-solid mechanism. In addition, the nanocombs, nanosaws and nanosprings of ZnS are also found in the products.