Controllable synthesis of ZnS holely microspheres in solution containing ethylenediamine and CS2

ZnS holey microspheres (HMSs) were prepared by reacting ZnSO₄ with sulfide source from CS₂ and ethylenediamine at 50 °C, then aging at room temperature. The synthesized HMSs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV–visible absorption measurement. The results showed that the holes were formed by gas of H₂S, and the small ZnS HMSs were formed by particles reaggregating with the aid of ethylenediamine. In addition, the size- and shape-controlled synthesis of ZnS HMSs was achieved by varying the process parameters, such as the aging time of the final solution, the molar ratio of CS₂ and ethylenediamine, and so on. A gas obtruding mechanism was proposed.