Effect of temperature on properties of cadmium sulfide nanostructures synthesized by solvothermal method

Large surface area to volume ratio of the nanostructured materials is familiar to play an important role in novel catalytic, sensing and optoelectronics application. In current research work, CdS nanostructures are synthesized by solvothermal process. This synthesis is carried out at different temperatures of 140 °C, 160 °C, 180 °C and 200 °C. The structural, morphological, optical, elemental and electrical properties of cadmium sulfide nanostructures are investigated using X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), UV–Visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectrometry (PL), FTIR and two probe set up assisted with Keithley source meter. XRD pattern confirmed the formation of hexagonal wurtzite structure for all the solvothermal temperatures. FESEM analysis depicted the formation of cadmium sulfide nanorods in any possible orientation with high density. EDS is also performed to confirm the elemental composition of CdS nanostructures. The UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed that optical band gap increased at low solvothermal temperature indicating the confinement effects in CdS nanostructures. These cadmium sulfide nanostructures may have the potential application in hydrogen production, optoelectronics devices and gas sensing.