Porous metastable γ-MnS networks: biomolecule-assisted synthesis and optical properties

Abstract

A facile biomolecule-assisted approach has been developed to prepare porous network-like metastable γ-MnS nanostructures through hydrothermal treatment of a homogeneous system of MnCl2 and L-cysteine. The morphology and phase of the MnS products can be controlled by adjusting the reaction temperature and molar ratio of the reagents (MnCl2 and L-cysteine). It was found that the γ-MnS porous networks formed via the aggregation and crystallization of the amorphous nanospheres. Preliminary UV–vis measurements have demonstrated that the as-prepared metastable γ-MnS networks exhibit original optical properties. These porous γ-MnS networks are expected to find potential applications in luminescence, optoelectronic and catalytic fields, as well as in the studies of structure–property relationships. This facile, environmentally benign and solution-phase biomolecule-assisted method can be potentially extended to the preparation of other magnetic chalcogenides including FeS, NiS and CoS nanostructures.