Preparation of CdS microtrumpets from a solvent extraction system by a two-phase approach

Highlights: → CdS microtrumpets were prepared from an extraction system by a two-phase approach. → Triethanolamine plays a crucial role in the formation of the trumpets. → Some micro-lotus seedpods can also be obtained with trihydroxymethyl aminomethane. -- Abstract: CdS microtrumpets with the length being of about 4 μm and the bell wall being of 100 nm have been prepared using a cadmium di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid chelate as the precursor by a two-phase thermal approach. The products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-vis spectroscopy. The effects of temperature, reaction time, and co-surfactant on the morphology were also examined. It was found that the co-surfactant triethanolamine plays a crucial role in the formation of the cubic phase trumpet-like CdS microstructures.