Synthesis and characterization of monodispersed CdS nanoparticles in SiO2 fibers by sol–gel method

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) has been synthesized by a sol–gel route in order to obtain chemically protected, stable nanoparticles. The CdS nanoparticles in the SiO2 gel matrix were dried to form monoliths of 1 in. diameter. The TEOS:H2O:HCl:C2H5OH and TEOS/Cd mole ratios were varied to obtain narrow size distributed CdS nanoparticles. The UV absorption measurements indicated sharp absorption at 260 and 350 nm for different precursor compositions. SiO2 gel containing the CdS nanoparticles was spin coated onto substrates in order to monitor the surface morphology of the samples. Scanning electron microscope measurements revealed formation of CdS nanoparticles within the branches of gel-network. Depending upon the mole ratio of additives and drying method, fibers or monolithic tablets of CdS nanoparticles could be produced.