Synthesis of solid solutions of Cd1-xZnxS nanocrystals in the channels of mesostructured silica films

In this contribution, we introduce the use of metal ion (Cd(ii) and Zn(ii)) modified mesostructured silica as a reaction medium, to produce a solid solution of Cd1-xZnxS nanocrystals as a thin film. With this approach, a true liquid crystalline templating (TLCT) and liquid crystalline mesophase of transition metal salt oligo(ethylene oxide) non-ionic surfactant (((1 - x)Cd(H2O)42 + xZn(H2O)62) CH 3(CH2)11(OCH2CH2) 10OH, (MLC)), systems were collectively used to synthesise mesostructured silica films. The film samples were reacted at room temperature (RT) in an H2S atmosphere to produce zinc blend Cd 1-xZnxS nanocrystals in the channels of mesostructured silica. The initial Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) ion concentrations in the reaction media determine the final composition and band gap of the Cd1-xZn xS nanocrystals. The growth process of the Cd1-xZn xS nanocrystals in the pores is influenced by the silica walls. If the walls are rigid (well polymerized, obtained by aging the samples before H2S treatment), then the Cd1-xZnxS nanoparticles are smaller in size and more uniform in size distribution. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2006.