Abstract

The incorporation of CdS nanoparticles, as prepared in reverse micellar systems, into silica matrices, via a sol–gel process, was investigated. The silica colloids containing CdS nanoparticles, CdS–COL, were prepared via the surface modification of CdS nanoparticles using 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane in reverse micelles. The recovery and dispersion of the nanoparticles was performed in an appropriate organic solvent, followed by a sol–gel process, using TMOS (tetramethyl orthosilicate) or TEOS (tetraethyl orthosilicate) in MeOH or EtOH solution. The size and morphology of the resulting CdS–COL was able to be controlled by changes in the silica source and the organic solvents. A CdS–COL stable against photoirradiation and heat treatment was able to be prepared which could be utilized as a photocatalyst for the generation of H₂ from propan-2-ol aqueous solution. The silica bulk glass containing the CdS nanoparticles, CdS–GLA, was also prepared, such that the cut off wavelength of the glass could be precisely controlled by regulating the water content (W_o) for the reverse micellar system, during CdS preparation.