Baking nanoparticles: Linking the synthesis parameters of CdS nanoparticles in a glass matrix with their size and size distribution

Abstract CdS nanoparticles in a glass matrix are attractive material for applications in numerous fields, especially optics. However, the growth kinetics of such nanoparticles and its effect on optical properties is still under investigation. Here, the influence of the heat treatment on the nanoparticles was investigated using SAXS and WAXS. The CdS nanoparticles are formed when heat treatment temperature is higher than the glass temperature of the matrix. Nanoparticles with a mean size from 1 to 10 nm are gradually formed followed by linear growth. Thus, the heat treatment time is the key tool to control the nanoparticle size, while the temperature may be used to adjust size distribution. Further heating of samples at 700 °C has led to the formation of nanoparticles with D