Synthesis and Characterization of ZnS, CdS, and Composition-Tunable ZnxCd1−xS Alloyed Nanocrystals via a Mix-Solvothermal Route

The authors developed a simple mix-solvothermal route to synthesize nanocrystals in the mild binary mixed solvent made of diethylenetriamine (DETA) and water. ZnS, CdS, and composition-tunable Zn x Cd 1− x S alloyed nanocrystals with special architectures have been synthesized by the mix-solvothermal route. The composition of the alloyed nanocrystals was adjusted by controlling the Zn/Cd molar ratios. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and photoluminescence (PL). The results show that all of the products have a good crystallinity with the typical hexagonal wurtzite, and the Zn/Cd molar ratios greatly affect final morphologies and properties of the alloyed nanocrystals. The PL peak positions of Zn x Cd 1− x S shift gradually from pure ZnS to pure CdS. A chelating ligand assisted nucleation-preferential growth process is proposed as the possible formation mechanism of the special architectures.