Catalyst-assisted formation of nanocantilever arrays on ZnS nanoribbons by post-annealing treatment

Nanocantilever arrays were formed on the edges of the ±(0001) planes of pre-synthesized ZnS nanoribbons via catalyst-assisted post-annealing treatment on Si substrate at 600 °C. Similar nanostructures could also be generated when ZnS nanoribbons were annealed by mixing with Si or SiO powder. The formation of nanocantilever arrays is associated with orientation-dependent chemical etching of the ±(0001) polar surfaces of ZnS nanoribbons. The ability of increasing structural complexity beyond the one-step "thermal evaporation and condensation" synthesis provides a new dimension to the rational design of building blocks for nanodevices.