Preparation of CdS microtrumpets from a solvent extraction system by a two-phase approach

CdS microtrumpets with the length being of about 4 μm and the bell wall being of 100 nm have been prepared using a cadmium di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid chelate as the precursor by a two-phase thermal approach. The products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV–vis spectroscopy. The effects of temperature, reaction time, and co-surfactant on the morphology were also examined. It was found that the co-surfactant triethanolamine plays a crucial role in the formation of the cubic phase trumpet-like CdS microstructures.

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► CdS microtrumpets were prepared from an extraction system by a two-phase approach.
► Triethanolamine plays a crucial role in the formation of the trumpets.
► Some micro-lotus seedpods can also be obtained with trihydroxymethyl aminomethane.