Solvothermal route to CdS nanocrystals

Abstract

We developed a facile solvothermal route to various CdS nanocrystals in diethylenetriamine. Well-crystalline CdS nanowires and flower-like CdS nanocrystals were obtained at temperatures 220°C and 200°C, respectively. The nanowires have smooth surfaces and are grown along polar [0 0 0 1] direction. The flower-like CdS nanocrystals have hierarchical architectures composed of fine nanowires with lengths up to 10 μm. The effects of temperature on the morphology and structure of the final products are also investigated. The experimental observations indicates that high temperature facilitates fabricate CdS nanocrystals with regular morphology and excellent crystallisation. Moreover, it is found that organic solvent diethylenetriamine plays an important role in the growth of CdS nanocrystals. Diethylenetriamine can bind Cd2+ ions to form intermediate complex, resulting in final CdS nanocrystals with regular morphologies. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.