Single-crystalline ZnS nanowires coated with graphitic carbon shells were synthesized by thermal evaporationof a mixture of ZnS and SnS powders in a graphite crucible. As-synthesized ZnS/C nanostructures werecharacterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscopyequipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. The ZnS core nanowires were formed by a Sn-catalytic vapor−liquid−solid process and grew along the [210] directions. Photoluminescence spectrum revealsthat the carbon-coated ZnS nanowires have a strong emission band centered at 586 nm and a shoulder bandat 645 nm.