Synthesis and microstructure-dependent photoactivated properties of three-dimensional cadmium sulfide crystals

Networked rod-like and intersecting flake-like CdS crystallites with three-dimensional structures were synthesized using a thermal evaporation method. Both types of CdS crystallites had a hexagonal crystal for given growth conditions. The rod-like CdS crystallites contained many irregular CdS grains, whereas the flake-like CdS crystallites comprised many granular CdS grains with various sizes. Furthermore, the flake-like CdS crystallites were more defective than the rod-like CdS crystallites because they contained a larger number of grain boundaries and showed greater sulfur deficiency. Additionally, the flake-like CdS crystallites showed higher photocatalytic activity and photoelectrochemical performance. The substantial differences in the microstructure and optical properties between the two types of CdS crystallites explained the superior photoactivated properties of the flake-like CdS crystallites.