Synthesis of three dimensional hierarchical ZnS coated ZnO nanoclusters by modifying ZnO nanocolumns

Three dimensional hierarchical ZnS coated ZnO nanoclusters have been successfully synthesized through modifying ZnO nanocolumn method. The morphological, structural, and compositional properties of the ZnS coated ZnO nanoclusters are systematically studied by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is shown that the wurtzite crystal structure of ZnS has been formed after ZnO nanocolumns were dipped into SCNH2 solution for 1h. Moreover, a simple growth mechanism has been proposed to interpret the formation of the ZnS coated ZnO nanoclusters based on the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The obtained ZnS coated ZnO nanoclusters are expected to have a broad range of potential applications in electronics, optoelectronics, and spintronics. •Three dimensional hierarchical ZnS coated ZnO nanoclusters are synthesized using a simple, controllable and scalable method.•A simple growth mechanism has been proposed to interpret the formation of the hierarchical ZnS coated ZnO nanoclusters.•A series of advanced analytical tools (including XRD, SEM, XPS and FTIR) was employed to characterize and investigate ZnO-based nanostructures.