Controlled synthesis of 3D nanostructured Cd4Cl3(OH)5templates and their transformation into Cd(OH)2and CdS nanomaterials

Cd 4 Cl 3 (OH) 5 is a good precursor compound that can be easily converted into Cd(OH) 2 or functional compounds CdS and CdSe. Novel 3D nanostructured Cd 4 Cl 3 (OH) 5 nanoflower arrays were controllably synthesized through a simple low temperature hydrothermal process. The morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The cadmium precursor, solution concentration, solvent, reaction temperature and reaction time are of great importance on the flower-like structure. The formation mechanism of the flower-like structure is also discussed. The Cd 4 Cl 3 (OH) 5 nanoflowers as template compounds were further transformed into Cd(OH) 2 and CdS nanoflowers by an anion-exchange reaction.