Preparation and optical properties of CdS nanoparticles dispersed in poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-co-acrylic acid) co-polymers

CdS/poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-co-acrylic acid) nanocomposites were prepared and characterized using structural, optical and thermal methods. Co-polymers used as the matrices were synthesized by radical polymerization of the co-monomers in different mol ratios (1:1, 2:1 and 1:2, DMAEMA:acrylic acid). The presence of the nanostructured CdS was confirmed by TEM analysis as well as by the shift of the onset of the optical absorption towards lower wavelengths. XRD spectra showed the cubic crystal phase of the obtained CdS nanoparticles. TGA measurements revealed improved thermal stability of the nanocomposite with respect to pure co-polymer matrix.