One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of water-dispersible ZnS quantum dots modified with mercaptoacetic acid.

Highlights: [•] A facile one-pot hydrothermal method to synthesize ZnS(MAA) QDs. [•] Synthesis and in situ modification of ZnS(MAA) QDs in a single process. [•] Controllable ZnS(MAA) QD size in the range 4–10nm by varying the reaction time. [•] Excellent dispersibility of ZnS(MAA) QDs in water. [•] 50% of the fluorescence signal intensity retained after storage for 6months. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]