Abstract
ZnS nanotubes were synthesized using wet-chemistry method. These nanotubes appear to be extremely unstable under electron beam irradiation. Time dependent transmission electron diffraction patterns disclose the appearance of additional diffraction spots that belong to ZnO, with the prolonged e-beam irradiation duration. The experimental results suggest that displacement damage followed by oxidation is mainly responsible for the structural degradation of these ZnS nanotubes. © 2007 American Institute of Physics.