Synthesis of ZnS nanoparticles of required size by precipitation in aerosol microdroplets

Abstract

Zinc sulphide (ZnS) nanoparticles were prepared by an aerosol method from zinc acetate and sodium sulphide (Na2S) aqueous solutions. Aqueous solution of zinc acetate was dispersed into the form of microdroplets, which were introduced by airflow to vigorously stirred aqueous solution of Na2S, which was in excess. Microdroplets served as microreactors, so the reaction took place only in limited volume. Particle size distribution was studied by transmission electron microscopy and by dynamic light scattering measurements. In this work, the equation that allows us to predict the final size distribution of ZnS nanoparticles using exact concentration of zinc acetate was derived and ZnS nanoparticles with predicted mean particle diameter around 50 and 70 nm were successfully synthetised.