Growth of Cadmium Nanocrystals

Cadmium nanocrystals were synthesized by reduction of cadmium acetate in three different mediums. Transmission electron microscopy studies of the reaction products revealed a range of different shapes depending on the ratio of capping and reducing agents, the addition time of these agents, and the duration and temperature of the reaction. X-ray results confirmed the crystallinity of these faceted structures with the dominant crystal facet along the (002) direction. Optical absorption spectra showed either one or two plasmon resonances in the ultraviolet (λ = 280 nm and/or 235 nm) depending on the diameter of the spherical particles in solution. Finally, cadmium nanocrystals were converted to cadmium sulfide by addition of thiourea, TEX.