Synthesis and Characterization of Cd1-xZnxS (x=0-1) Nanoparticles by Thermal Decomposition of Bis(thiourea) cadmium-zinc acetate Complexes

摘要

The present study reports synthesis of a complete series of Cd1-xZnxS solid solution nanoparticles (x=0-1) via thermal decomposition of bis(thiourea) cadmium-zinc acetate complexes. First, bis(thiourea) cadmium-zinc acetate complexes were synthesized which were then decomposed at 200 degrees C for 1 h in diphenyl ether. The bis(thiourea) cadmium-zinc acetate complexes and Cd1-xZnxS nanoparticles were characterized using different analytical techniques. The crystallite size of Cd1-xZnxS nanoparticles varies from 2.1 nm to 4.8 nm and the phase changes from hexagonal to cubic with an increase in zinc content. The optical properties of Cd1-xZnxS solid solution nanoparticles depend on composition and the band gap varies from 2.37 eV to 3.69 eV with an increase in the concentration of zinc. Photoluminescence spectral studies indicate shift of excitonic emission peaks towards lower wavelength (465 nm - 503 nm) compared to pure CdS nanoparticles (505 nm) with increasing zinc content in the Cd1-xZnxS nanoparticles. The Cd1-xZnxS nanoparticles were explored as catalysts for the photodegradation of methylene blue in an aqueous solution under sunlight.