Facile additive-free solvothermal synthesis of cadmium sulfide flower-like three dimensional assemblies with unique optical properties and photocatalytic activity

Cadmium sulfide flower-like 3D assemblies were successfully prepared through a facile additive-free solvothermal process. It was found that the ethanol played an important role in the formation of the CdS assemblies. Based on the time-dependent experiments, a possible mechanism was proposed. In addition, the CdS assemblies exhibit unique optical properties and potential photocatalytic activity.