Synthesis, surface morphology, and optical and structural properties of CdS and ZnS nanoparticles

Abstract

Synthesis of CdS and ZnS nanoparticles in reverse micelles and organic solvents has been carried out. Particles with a hexagonal structure 2–5 nm in size are formed during synthesis. Maintaining the reaction mixture at room temperature leads to the formation of nanoparticles with a cubic structure 100–150 nm in size. The changes in the optical properties of CdS and ZnS nanoparticles, depending on the synthesis method and conditions and on the precursors used, have been investigated. The luminescence characteristics of local surface defects of nanoparticles depend weakly on nanoparticle sizes. The dependence of the fluorescence and phosphorescence intensity of nanoparticle surface defects on the polarity of surrounding solution is demonstrated; thus, these particles can be used as polarity indicators.