Template-free solution approach to synthesize CdS dendrites with SCN based ionic liquid

Cadmium sulfide dendrites were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal treatment from CdCl2 and ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methlyimidazole thiocyanate acted both as sulfur source and surfactant. The product was characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. X-ray powder diffraction studies indicated that the product was well-crystallized hexagonal phase of CdS, and the scanning electron microscopy images showed that the obtained powders consisted of a wealth of well-defined CdS dendritic microstructures with a pronounced trunk and highly ordered branches. The UV–Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy measurements were taken as well. The possible formation mechanism of CdS dendrites was simply proposed in the end.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Template-free solution approach to synthesize CdS hierarchical dendrites. ► The 1-butyl-3-methlyimidazole thiocyanate ([BMIM][SCN]) plays doubly functional roles in the progress. ► The CdS hierarchical dendrites exhibit a more intense emission at 710 nm belongs to infrared band.