Clustering of CdS nanocrystals during evaporation of Langmuir — Blodgett matrix

Clustering of CdS nanocrystals during evaporation of the Langmure-Blodgett matrix and influence of matrix thickness on the parameters of the resulting clusters have been investigated. Information about the size and spatial distribution of nanocrystals and clusters has been obtained using atomic-force microscopy. It has been found that at thickness of the matrix less than 6 nm the free-standing nanocrystals are formed; with increase in thickness of the matrix nanocrystals are collected in clusters. The clusters greatly enlarge with further increase in thickness of the matrix, eventually; at thickness of 60 nm nanocrystals totally coat the substrate.