Microwave Synthesis of Nearly Monodisperse Core/Multishell Quantum Dots with Cell Imaging Applications

We report in this article the microwave synthesis of relatively monodisperse, highly crystalline CdSe quantum dots (QDs) overcoated with Cd_0.5Zn_0.5S/ZnS multishells. The as-prepared QDs exhibited narrow photoluminescence bandwidth as the consequence of homogeneous size distribution and uniform crystallinity, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. A high photoluminescence quantum yield up to 80% was measured for the core/multishell nanocrystals. Finally, the resulting CdSe/Cd_0.5Zn_0.5S/ZnS core/multishell QDs have been successfully applied to the labeling and imaging of breast cancer cells (SK-BR3).     

Synthesis of Aqueous CdTe/CdS/ZnS Core/shell/shell Quantum Dots by a Chemical Aerosol Flow Method

This work described a continuous method to synthesize CdTe/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell quantum dots. In an integrated system by flawlessly combining the chemical aerosol flow system working at high temperature (200–300°C) to generate CdTe/CdS intermediate products and an additional heat-up setup at relatively low temperature to overcoat the ZnS shells, the CdTe/CdS/ZnS multishell structures were realized. The as-synthesized CdTe/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell quantum dots are characterized by photoluminescence spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectra (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Fluorescence and XRD results confirm that the obtained quantum dots have a core/shell/shell structure. It shows the highest quantum yield above 45% when compared to the rhodamine 6G. The core/shell/shell QDs were more stable via the oxidation experiment by H₂O₂.     

Facile Bulk Synthesis of Homogeneous and Transparent Nanocrystals Hybrids via In Situ Transformation of Ionomers into CdS Quantum-Dot-Polymer

We systemically report on a method for fabricating bulk CdS QD-polymer hybrids nanocomposites with tunable control photoluminescence (PL) by using as-prepared ionomers. Firstly, we rationally designed to synthesize well-dispersed PMMA/Cd(AA)₂ (cadmium acrylate) ionomers containing different concentrations of Cd²⁺ ion clusters via free-radical polymerization. And then, we introduced H₂S gas into the ionomer solutions to obtain transparent PMMA/CdS QD-polymers in situ. Subsequently, we employed PMMA/CdS QD-polymers to further produce claviform CdS/PMMA hybrid nanocomposites via in situ bulk polymerization. The properties of as-prepared QD-polymers and their hybrid nanocomposites were thoroughly investigated by Ultraviolet–visible (UV-vis), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), photoluminescence (PL), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) measurements. We have found that these QD-polymers exhibit uniform dispersity, good optical property and an obvious advantage on thermal stability, along with facilely producing bulk nanocrystal/polymer hybrid nanocomposites with a large scale.     

Colloidal Synthesis of ZnS,CdS and Zn x Cd1−x S Nanoparticles from Zinc and Cadmium Thiobiuret Complexes

ZnS, CdS and Zn _x Cd_1?x S nanoparticles were synthesised from the thermolysis of 1,1,5,5-tetra-iso-propyl-4-thiobiuret complexes of Zn and/or Cd in oleylamine. The influence of the different reaction parameters (precursor concentration, growth temperature, reaction time and injection solvent/capping agent combination) on the size, morphology and optical properties of the produced nanoparticles were studied. ZnS nanoparticles with size smaller than 4.3 nm had the cubic phase whereas the particles with size larger than 4.3 nm had a hexagonal crystal structure as suggested by the selected area electron diffraction. Transmission electron microscopy showed the formation of spherical ZnS nanoparticles in addition to few ZnS nanorods only at growth temperature of 280 °C. Powder X-Ray diffraction (p-XRD) showed that the obtained CdS nanoparticles were cubic under all reaction conditions except when dodecanethiol was used as an injection solvent which produced hexagonal CdS. The change in the crystal structure of the CdS nanoparticles was accompanied with a change in morphology from spherical to triangular. Cubic Zn _x Cd_1?x S nanoparticles were obtained under all reaction conditions. Lattice spacing of the Zn _x Cd_1?x S nanoparticles showed a very good agreement with Vegard’s law. The optical properties of the Zn _x Cd_1?x S nanoparticles were highly dependent on the ZnS to CdS precursor ratio and the solvents/capping agent combinations. This in detail study on the relationship of solvent systems (capping agents), thermolysis temperatures, time of reactions and precursors will help in understanding to control the morphology, size of the crystallites and phase of the materials.     

Preparation and fluorescence properties of poly(o‐methyl‐acrylamideyl‐benzoic acid)‐ZnS composites

Poly(o‐methyl‐acrylamideyl‐benzoic acid)‐ZnS (P(o‐MAABA)‐ZnS) nanocomposites have been prepared and characterized. The resultant P(o‐MAABA)‐ZnS nanocomposites in solution show two emissions in the purple‐light area (370 nm) and in the blue‐light area (425 nm), which are assigned to the polymer and ZnS nanoparticles, respectively. The coordination between the polymer and Zn²⁺ and the surface chemical composition has been studied by Infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The particle size of ZnS nanoparticles was homogeneous and the average size was 3.8 nm, which were characterized by UV absorption spectrum and X‐ray Diffraction. The P(o‐MAABA)‐ZnS composites displays good film formability and the films also show two emissions in 370 and 425 nm. After doped with Tb³⁺, there was effective energy transfer from ZnS nanoparticles to Tb³⁺. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Facile preparation of cds quantum dots using hyperbranched poly(amidoamine)s with hydrophobic end‐groups as nanoreactors

Hyperbranched poly(amidoamine)s with methyl ester terminals (HPAMAM) were synthesized by one‐pot approach and subsequently used as nanoreactors to prepare CdS quantum dots (QDs). HPAMAM could bind Cd²⁺ through their internal amines, while the external methyl ester groups prevented the aggregation of polymers. After reaction with S^2?, CdS QDs sequestered within individual hyperbranched polymers were obtained. The resulting CdS/HPAMAM nanocomposites were characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, confirming the formation of CdS QDs with small particle size and narrow size‐distribution. Furthermore, the effects of Cd²⁺/S^2? ratio and aging time on the photoluminescence of CdS QDs were also investigated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

In situ preparation of CdS/PVA nanocomposites using gamma radiation

Films of poly(vinyl alcohol)/cadmium sulphide (PVA/CdS) nanocomposite containing various concentrations of Cd²⁺ ions were prepared using gamma radiation at different doses from 50 up to 200 kGy. The UV/VIS spectra revealed that the CdS/PVA nanocomposites showed blue shift for the absorption peak as compared with bulk CdS. As the irradiation dose increased, a gradual red shift in the wavelength accompanying with broadening of the absorption peak was observed. The estimated optical band gap energies and the calculated CdS particle sizes of (PVA/CdS) showed correlation between their values and the variable parameters (irradiation dose and Cd⁺²:S^?2 molar ratio). Transmission electron microscopy images showed that the CdS/PVA nanocomposites were dispersed as spherical CdS nanoparticles with homogeneity at either lower concentration of CdCl₂ or irradiation dose. The nano‐rod structures of CdS was accompanied with small agglomeration at either higher CdCl₂ concentration or irradiation dose. A cubic phase and mixture of cubic and hexagonal phases of the prepared CdS nanoparticles were formed at lower and higher CdCl₂ concentrations, respectively. Fourier Transform Infrared spectra confirmed the coordination of CdS nanoparticles with the hydroxyl groups of PVA matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2583–2590, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Direct Generation of Mn‐Doped ZnS Quantum Dots/Alginate Nanocomposite Beads Based on Gelation and In Situ Synthesis of Quantum Dots

Herein, a concise and novel method is developed to directly generate Mn‐doped ZnS QDs/alginate nanocomposite beads. In this method, the ionic gelation of alginate is employed to produce alginate gel beads in a solution of Zn²⁺ and Mn²⁺ ions. Subsequently, the gel beads serve as the reaction support for in situ synthesis of Mn‐doped ZnS QDs in the beads through the reaction of sodium sulfide with Zn²⁺ and Mn²⁺ ions. The method has many benefits such as the simple preparation, the environmentally friendly process, the mild conditions, and the easy post‐treatment for the beads. The resulting QDs/alginate beads are homogeneous and stable gel spheres which show clear fluorescence. TEM images demonstrate that Mn‐doped ZnS QDs are homogeneously distributed within the QDs/alginate nanocomposite, and their average size is 2.4 ± 0.3 nm. Potentially, the QDs/alginate beads can be utilized for fluorescence bioimaging, as well as fluorescence detection toward metal ions.     

Structure and Properties of CdS/Regenerated Cellulose Nanocomposites

Summary: Novel inorganic‐organic hybrid materials composed of cadmium sulfide (CdS) semiconducting nanocrystals and regenerated cellulose (RC) were prepared by using in situ synthesizing method. Cellulose was dissolved in a 6 wt.‐% NaOH/4 wt.‐% urea/thiourea aqueous solution at low temperature followed by addition of cadmium chloride (CdCl₂), resulting that the CdS nanocrystals were successfully grown in situ in the cellulose solution. Nanocomposite films containing homogeneous CdS nanoparticles were obtained by casting the resulting solution. Their structure and optical properties were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetry analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, atomic force microscopy, transmittance electronic microscope, UV‐vis spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The experimental results confirmed that the CdS nanocrystalline existed in the composite films, and cellulose matrix provided a confined medium for CdS particle growth in uniform size. The CdS/RC composites showed narrow emission in photoluminescence spectra, and their optical absorbance in the UV range was higher than that of the cellulose film without CdS. This work provided a simple method to prepare cellulose functional materials in NaOH/urea aqueous solution.

Photoluminescence of CdS/RC nanocomposites and TEM image of CdS nanocrystals dispersed in RC matrix.     

Zinc modified cadmium titanite nanoparticles: Electrical and room temperature methanol sensing properties

In this work Zn_xCd_1?xTiO₃ (x=0.25, 0.5, 0.75) nanoparticles were synthesized using solid state reaction method. Detailed investigation of electrical properties and room temperature methanol sensing characteristics of synthesized nanoparticles was carried out. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microcopy (SEM) were used to determine the crystal structure and morphology of the prepared material. The transition from positive temperature coefficient of resistivity (PTCR) to negative temperature coefficient of resistivity (NTCR) was observed in Zn_0.75Cd_0.25TiO₃, Zn_0.50Cd_0.50TiO₃ and Zn_0.25Cd_0.75TiO₃ nanoparticles at 268 K, 248 K and 278 K respectively. Prototype sensors of prepared Zn_xCd_1?xTiO₃ (x=0.25, 0.5, 0.75) nanoparticles were tested at 10 ppm, 20 ppm, 30 ppm and 40 ppm of methanol at room temperature. The Zn_0.75Cd_0.25TiO₃ and Zn_0.25Cd_0.75TiO₃ nanoparticles sensors exhibited fast response and recovery times and a linear response with increase in methanol concentration. The Zn_0.5Cd_0.5TiO₃ nanoparticles sensors exhibited nonlinear response and slow response and recovery times. Response of sensors based on all compositions was stable over period of 30 days.     

Preparation of cadmium sulfide/poly(methyl methacrylate) composites by precipitation with compressed CO2

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were first synthesized in methyl methacrylate (MMA)/sodium bis(2‐ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) microemulsion, in which MMA acts as the solvent and monomer. Then compressed CO₂ was used as an antisolvent to precipitate the CdS and PMMA simultaneously. Using this method, a CdS/PMMA composite was successfully prepared. The CdS nanoparticles dispersed in the polymer matrices were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The higher pressure is favorable to producing CdS nanoparticles of smaller size. The phase structure of the obtained composite was characterized by X‐ray diffraction, which reveals that cubic CdS particles were formed. The FTIR spectra of the composite showed that there is no chemical bonding or strong interaction between CdS and PMMA. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1643–1648, 2004     

Ternary cadmium and zinc sulfides: composition, morphology and photoelectrochemistry

Morphology, structure and electronic properties of CdS, ZnS and the mixed ternary compounds of formula Cd_xZn_1−xS deposited on Ag(1 1 1) by electrochemical atomic layer epitaxy (ECALE) have been characterized as a function of the composition. The number of the attainable x values is limited by the necessity of using well-defined ZnS/CdS deposition sequences. However, the quantitative analysis carried out with different techniques indicates that the ECALE method has a good control on composition. The morphological analysis, performed on the basis of the roughness and clusters’ size evaluation, indicates both two-dimensional and three-dimensional growth. Photoelectrochemical measurements, carried out at the film electrodes in liquid junction with an alkaline (poly)sulfide electrolyte, show in all cases photospectra shapes typical of a direct transition. The bandgap of Cd_xZn_1−xS is roughly linear with composition parameter x, a behavior consistent with the formation of solid solutions in a system without miscibility gap. Despite the limits and deviations from an ideal epitaxial process, the ECALE method provides mixed ternary compounds with predictable composition and related electronic properties (e.g. the bandgap).     

In situ synthesis and characterization of ZnS/epoxy nanocomposites via gas‐liquid state reaction method

In this article, the ZnS/epoxy nanocomposites were successfully prepared by the reaction of zinc acetate and H₂S gas via a simple step. Epoxy resin acted as the matrix for the formation of ZnS nanoparticles (10–20 nm) in the reaction system and kept them from agglomerating. The structure, composition, and mechanical properties of the resultant products were successfully investigated by powder X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence, and universal testing machine. Meanwhile, by employing differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) we had studied, under nonisothermal condition, the kinetic analysis of the cure reaction which was performed using two classic models: Kissinger and Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa. The activation energy of curing reaction was 74.63 kJ/mol and 77.57 kJ/mol, respectively, by Kissinger's and Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa's methods. The possible mechanism of preparation of ZnS/epoxy composites was discussed in this article. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Crystallographic,Energy Gap,Photoluminescence and Photo-Catalytic Investigation of Cu Doped Cd0.9Zn0.1S Nanostructures by Co-precipitation Method

In this work, the controlled synthesis of Cd_0.9Zn_0.1S, Cd_0.89Zn_0.1Cu_0.01S and Cd_0.87Zn_0.1Cu_0.03S nanostructures by chemical co-precipitation technique was reported. The XRD investigation confirmed the cubic structure on Zn/Cu-doped CdS without any secondary/impurity related phases. No modification in cubic structure was detected during the addition of Zn/Cu into CdS. The reduction of crystallite size from 63 to 40 Å and the changes in lattice parameter confirmed the incorporation of Cu into Cd_0.9Zn_0.1S and also the generation of Cu related defects. The shift of absorption edge along upper wavelength region and elevated absorption intensity by Cu doping can be accredited to the collective consequence of quantization and the generation of defect associated states. The enhanced optical absorbance and the reduced energy gap recommended that Cd_0.87Zn_0.1Cu_0.03S nanostructure is useful to enhance the efficiency of opto-electronic devices. The presence of Cd–S/Zn–Cd–S /Zn/Cu–Cd–S chemical bonding were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared investigation. The elevated green emission by Cu incorporation was explained by decrease of crystallite size and creation of more defects. Zn, Cu dual doped CdS nanostructures are recognized as the possible and also efficient photo-catalyst for the removal dyes like methylene blue. The enhanced photo-catalytic behavior of Zn, Cu dual doped CdS is the collective consequences of high density electron–hole pairs creation, enhanced absorbance in the visible wavelength, surface area enhancement, reduced energy gap and the formation of novel defect associated states. The stability measurement signified that Cu doped Cd_0.9Zn_0.1S exhibits superior dye removal ability and better stability even after 6 repetitive runs with limited photo-corrosion due to more charge carriers liberation, increased surface to volume ratio and creation of more defects.

     

Near-infrared emitting CdTe0.5Se0.5/Cd0.5Zn0.5S quantum dots: synthesis and bright luminescence

We present how CdTe_0.5Se_0.5 cores can be coated with Cd_0.5Zn_0.5S shells at relatively low temperature (around 200°C) via facile synthesis using organic ammine ligands. The cores were firstly fabricated via a less toxic procedure using CdO, trioctylphosphine (TOP), Se, Te, and trioctylamine. The cores with small sizes (3.2-3.5 nm) revealed green and yellow photoluminescence (PL) and spherical morphologies. Hydrophobic core/shell CdTe_0.5Se_0.5/Cd_0.5Zn_0.5S quantum dots (QDs) with tunable PL between green and near-infrared (a maximum PL peak wavelength of 735 nm) were then created through a facile shell coating procedure using trioctylphosphine selenium with cadmium and zinc acetate. The QDs exhibited high PL efficiencies up to 50% because of the formation of a protective Cd_0.5Zn_0.5S shell on the CdTe_0.5Se_0.5 core, even though the PL efficiency of the cores is low (≤1%). Namely, the slow growth process of the shell plays an important role for getting high PL efficiencies. The properties of the QDs are largely determined by the properties of CdTe_0.5Se_0.5 cores and shells preparation conditions such as reaction temperature and time. The core/shell QDs exhibited a small size diameter. For example, the average diameter of the QDs with a PL peak wavelength of 735 nm is 6.1 nm. Small size and tunable bright PL makes the QDs utilizable as bioprobes because the size of QD-based bioprobes is considered as the major limitation for their broad applications in biological imaging.     

TiO2/CdS/CdSe quantum dots co-sensitized solar cell with the staggered-gap (type-II) heterojunctions for the enhanced photovoltaic performance

The effect of co-sensitization and ZnS passivation on the photovoltaic performance of CdS quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) were investigated. The deposition of CdS, CdSe quantum dots (QD) and ZnS passivation on TiO₂ photoanode was carried out by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. CdS/CdSe co-sensitization developed two staggered type-II heterojunctions at TiO₂/CdS and CdS/CdSe interfaces and resulted a cascade energy band structure. This suitable band alignment facilitated the double charge transfer mechanism at each heterojunction and transported the electrons easily into the photoanode. The narrow bandgap sensitizers CdS and CdSe significantly improved the potential utilization of solar spectrum with more charge carrier generation. ZnS passivation on QD surface suppressed electrode/electrolyte interfacial charge recombination and facilitated more electron injection from QDs into TiO₂ photoanode. The EDAX elemental mapping results inferred that CdS, CdSe and ZnS have efficiently covered the TiO₂ surface. TiO₂/CdS and CdS/CdSe interfaces and the amorphous nature of ZnS could be verified with HRTEM images. Hence, the co-sensitization and surface passivation played a significant role to enhance the PCE of CdS QDSSC from 1.9% to 4.05%.     

A highly efficient ZnS/CdS@TiO2 photoelectrode for photogenerated cathodic protection of metals

Shell-core nanostructured ZnS/CdS quantum dots (QDs) were assembled uniformly on the surface of TiO₂ nanotube arrays by sequence chemical bath deposition (CBD) of CdS and ZnS in alcohol solution system. The morphology and chemical composition of the obtained composite thin films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The effect of solvent and immersion cycles for the photoanode preparation on the photoelectrochemical activity and photogenerated cathodic protection property was investigated. It is found that the nanostructured CdS QDs (20 cycles) coated on TiO₂ nanotube arrays show a remarkably enhanced photoelectrochemical activity. The coating of ZnS QD shells (5 cycles) is able to improve the stability of the CdS@TiO₂ photoanode under white-light irradiation. After the irradiation light is turned off, the photogenerated cathodic protection of 403 stainless steel (403SS) can be remained for several hours.     

Effects of Aliovalent Anion Substitution on the Electronic Structures and Properties of ZnO and CdS

Aliovalent anion substitution in ZnO, CdS, and related materials brings about drastic changes in their electronic structure and properties, making them colored, with a narrow band gap. Progressive substitution of N and F in ZnO leads to the formation of Zn₂NF, with complete replacement of O with N and F. The band gaps of Zn₂NF and O-doped Zn₂NF are smaller than the band gap in ZnO, because N 2p states create a new sub-band above the valence band. Band-edge energies of these compounds are thermodynamically favorable for water splitting. First-principles calculations of P- and Cl-substituted CdS and ZnS show the presence of a band just above the valence band, due to the p orbitals of the trivalent dopant, resulting in a noticeable reduction in the band gap of these materials. Such substitution of anions can be quite effective in engineering the valence band, and hence, in tuning the related properties of materials. Complete substitution of S with P and Cl in CdS should result Cd₂PCl, but the resulting material is Cd₂PCl_1.5 or Cd₄P₂Cl₃. Cd₄P₂Cl₃ shows a band gap of 2.36 eV and a photoluminescence band at 580 nm. First-principles calculations show it to be an effective photocatalyst for water splitting; it is shown experimentally to exhibit photocatalytic hydrogen evolution in the presence and absence of a sacrificial agent. Moreover, resilience to photocorrosion is a unique property of Cd₄P₂Cl₃.     

Poly(methyl methacrylate)‐grafted cellulose nanocrystals: One‐step synthesis,nanocomposite preparation,and characterization

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are ideal reinforcing agents for polymer nanocomposites because they are lightweight and nano‐sized with a large aspect ratio and high elastic modulus. To overcome the poor compatibility of hydrophilic CNCs in non‐polar composite matrices, we grafted poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) from the surface of CNCs using an aqueous, one‐pot, free radical polymerization method with ceric ammonium nitrate as the initiator. The hybrid nanoparticles were characterized by CP/MAS NMR, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, contact angle, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy. Spectroscopy demonstrates that 0.11 g/g (11 wt %) PMMA is grafted from the CNC surface, giving PMMA‐g‐CNCs, which are similar in size and crystallinity to unmodified CNCs but have an onset of thermal degradation 45 °C lower. Nanocomposites were prepared by compounding unmodified CNCs and PMMA‐g‐CNCs (0.0025–0.02 g/g (0.25–2 wt %) loading) with PMMA using melt mixing and wet ball milling. CNCs improved the performance of melt‐mixed nanocomposites at 0.02 g/g (2 wt %) loading compared to the PMMA control, while lower loadings of CNCs and all loadings of PMMA‐g‐CNCs did not. The difference in Young's modulus between unmodified CNC and polymer‐grafted CNC composites was generally insignificant. Overall, ball‐milled composites had inferior mechanical and rheological properties compared to melt‐mixed composites. Scanning electron microscopy showed aggregation in the samples with CNCs, but more pronounced aggregation with PMMA‐g‐CNCs. Despite improving interfacial compatibility between the nanoparticles and the matrix, the effect of PMMA‐g‐CNC aggregation and decreased thermal stability dominated the composite performance.     

Synthesis of CdS‐ and ZnS‐modified bentonite nanoparticles and their applications to the degradation of eosin B

BACKGROUND: In the present study, nanocomposites of cadmium sulphide (CdS) and zinc sulphide (ZnS) on a bentonite have been prepared via an in‐situ precipitation route and their catalytic behaviour was evaluated in the degradation of eosin B. RESULTS: It was found that the basal space of bentonite increased from 1.23 to 1.49 nm after CdS or ZnS nanoparticles were deposited on layers of the bentonite. The resulting CdS–bentonite and ZnS–bentonite nanocomposites can degrade eosin B from aqueous solution after 2 h under UV irradiation. CONCLUSION: A soft method for in situ synthesis of monodispersed, CdS and ZnS nanoparticles, using a reverse micelle type procedure, is reported. The synthesized CdS‐ and ZnS–bentonite composites combined the adsorptive ability of bentonite and the catalytic degradation ability of CdS and ZnS to remove eosin B from its aqueous solution efficiently. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry