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

Cd4Cl3(OH)(5) is a good precursor compound that can be easily converted into Cd(OH)(2) or functional compounds US and CdSe. Novel 3D nanostructured Cd4Cl3(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 Cd4Cl3(OH)(5) nanoflowers as template compounds were further transformed into Cd(OH)(2) and US nanoflowers by an anion-exchange reaction.