Synthesis and optical properties of self-assembled flower-like CdS architectures by mixed solvothermal process

Self-assembled CdS architectures with flower-like structures have been synthesized by a mixed solvothermal method using ethylene glycol and oleic acid as the mixed solvent at 160°C for 12 h. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images indicate that the product exists as the hexagonal wurtzite phase and conatins of larger numbers of flower-like CdS architectures with diameters of 1.8–3 μm. The selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern and the high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) image reveal that the grain has better crystallinity. The optical properties of flower-like CdS architectures were also investigated by ultraviolet-visable (UV-vis) and photoluminescence spectroscopy at room temperature. A strong peak at 490 nm is shown in the UV-vis absorption, while an emission at 486 nm and another strong emission at 712 nm are shown in the PL spectrum.