Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
Zinc sulfide nanoparticles, prepared employing a non-equilibrium route, are investigated for surface related effects. Water has been shown to induce a structural transformation in nanoparticles prepared this way, which is not related to their particle size. Employing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and x-ray powder diffraction, we show here the importance of S-H interaction in the buildup to the final ZnS structure of these nanoparticles. These particles hold promise as water sensors.