Abstract

Assemblies of short CdS nanofibers/poly(styrene-alt-maleic anhydride) were prepared via a one-pot procedure in anhydrous ethanol for the first time by γ-irradiation under ambient conditions. The as-prepared copolymer matrix can successfully control the morphology of nanocrystalline CdS and prevent aggregation. Carbon disulfide was the sulfur source while cadmium chloride was the metal ion source. FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the copolymer, and transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction used to confirm that well crystallized CdS nanofibers were dispersed homogeneously in the copolymer matrix. UV–VIS spectroscopy was also used to examine the quantum-confinement of the CdS nanofibers.