Synthesis of surfactant-free self-assembled and size-controlled ZnS mesoporous nanospheres

Abstract

High quality self-assembled ZnS mesoporous nanospheres have been successfully synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. The sample was synthesized using ethylene glycol aqueous solution without any surfactant assistance. Size and shape control of the ZnS mesoporous nanospheres is achieved by simple adjustments of the reactants' concentration. Investigation results show that ZnS spheres are made up of small ZnS nanocrystallites and show good photocatalytic activity in the degradation of MB under the irradiation of ultraviolet light because of their mesoporous structures.