Facile and low-cost synthesis of gold nanoparticles supported on cadmium sulphide flower-like three-dimensional assemblies

Gold nanoparticles supported on cadmium sulphide (CdS) with flower-like three-dimensional assemblies were prepared successfully by a simple and facile method at room temperature. The preparation process takes place in ethylene glycol solution. Chloroauric acid is used as a source of golden nanoparticles (AuNPs). CdS and glutamate are used as the support and the stabiliser, respectively. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that AuNPs possess a cubic crystal structure. High resolution transmission electron microscope measurements indicate that CdS support facilitate preparation of the highly dispersed AuNPs. Most importantly, the glutamate plays an important role in the monodisperse and smaller size (only about 2.9 nm) of AuNPs. These results indicate that the product has potential applications in degrading the organic dyes in the wastewater, catalysing organic reactions and applying to low-temperature CO oxidation.