Preparation and characterization of carbon nanotubes/ZnS composite

Carbon nanotubes were modified by NH3 center dot H2O and EDTA, respectively. Then, ZnS nanoparticles were densely and uniformly coated on modified surfaces of carbon nanotubes through reaction of thioacetamide and zinc acetate in water solution. The samples were characterized by XRD, TEM, SAED, SEM, FTIR and PL spectroscope. Experimental results indicate that EDTA treatment of the carbon nanotubes is a key factor for the formation of carbon nanotubes/ZnS composite. The PL spectra show that the photoluminescence peaks of the carbon nanotubes/ZnS composite have a small blue shift in comparison with the as-prepared ZnS. A possible formation mechanism is proposed for the carbon nanotubes/ZnS composite.