Synthesis of CdS nanostructures using template-assisted ammonia-free chemical bath deposition

► CdS nanostructures were synthesized by ammonia-free CBD using polymer templates. ► CdS nanotubes were obtained in ion track-etched polymer membranes. ► CdS nanostructured films were obtained on polymer nanosphere arrays. ► Optical studies reveal a band gap of about 2.57 eV and a red luminescence at ∼1.77 eV. ► CdS nanostructured film conductivity increases due to the periodic polymer array patterning.