Reverse micellar synthesis of CdS nanoparticles and self-assembly into a superlattice

We report the synthesis of monodispersed CdS nanoparticles in AOT-water-isooctane microemulsion and their self-assembly into a superlattice under room temperature, atmospheric benchtop conditions, as opposed to the higher temperature, glove box conditions typically utilized in other studies. Cd(AOT)(2) was prepared by adding CdAc2.2H(2)O to an ethanol solution of 1.0 M NaAOT followed by the addition of diethyl ether. The micellar solution resulted from the addition of isooctane and water to the powdered Cd(AOT)(2). CdS nanoparticles were formed through the slow release of H2S from the hydrolysis of added thioacetamide in DMF, as opposed to a direct reactant derived from a sulfide solution. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.