  The formation and stability of a sulfur-rich surface of the zinc blende ZnS
(001) single crystal have been examined by x-ray photoemission spectroscopy
(XPS), low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), and density-functional theory
(DFT) calculations. LEED patterns obtained from ZnS (001) surface prepared in
ultrahigh vacuum conditions are compatible to the formation of the ($1 \times
2$) reconstruction. Further XPS investigation is consistent with the conversion
of the surface region into a sulfur-rich surface. DFT calculations support the
S-richer ZnS surface hypothesis and the indirect notion of increasing in the
conductivity of such a new structure.
