ZnS nanoparticle synthesis in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate by simple heating

Abstract Pure ZnS nanoparticles were prepared in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM]BF4) ionic liquid by simple heating without any sophisticated technology or any other solvents or any other stabilizing or capping agents. Particles of size below 10 nm were obtained by this method and found that the final product is free from the [BMIM]BF4 ionic liquid. It is deduced from the analysis that the growth of the ZnS nanoparticle was controlled by the combined intrinsic high charge and the steric effects of [BMIM]BF4 ionic liquid.