Template-free synthesis of CdS microspheres composed of nanocrystals with a new sulfur source

• Published in: Materials letters Vol. 111; pp. 230 - 233
• Main Authors: Nagaraja, C.M., Kaur, Manjodh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.11.2013
• Subjects: absorption; cadmium; CdS; nanocrystals; Nanoparticles; Photocatalysis; photolysis; scanning electron microscopy; Semiconductor; Solvothermal method; sulfur; transmission electron microscopy; X-ray diffraction; Nanoparticles; Semiconductor; CdS; Solvothermal method; Photocatalysis
• ISSN: 0167-577X; 1873-4979
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2013.08.095

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) microspheres composed of CdS nanocrystals were synthesized by a one-pot solvothermal method using a new in situ S2− source and without the use of any template or capping agent. The powder X-ray diffraction measurements revealed the cubic structure of the CdS microspheres. SEM analyses indicated that the CdS microspheres are further composed with assembled CdS nanocrystals. TEM analyses revealed the crystallites size of about 15–20nm. Optical investigation showed that the obtained CdS microspheres have an UV–vis absorption at 420nm which is blue-shifted compared to that of bulk CdS and the calculated band gap value is 2.52eV. Photocatalytic investigation of the CdS microspheres showed good photocatalytic activity for photodegradation of methylorange (MO) dye. •Facile, one-pot, template and capping agent-free solvothermal method for preparation of CdS microspheres composed of CdS nanocrystals.•For the first time, 4,4′-dipyridyldisulfide (DPDS) molecule has been used as a temperature controlled in situ source of S2− ion for the preparation of CdS nanostructure.•As-prepared CdS microspheres show good photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange dye.•The mechanism for the formation of CdS microspheres has been proposed.