Cadmium sulfide (CdS)
quantum dots (QDs) were homogeneously embedded
into chitosan (CTS), denoted as CdS@CTS, via an in situ hydrothermal
method. The intact structure of the synthesized materials was preserved
using freeze-drying. The materials were characterized using X-ray
diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission
electron microscopy, high-resolution TEM, scanning TEM, dispersive
energy X-ray (EDX) for elemental analysis and mapping, Fourier transform
infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms,
thermogravimetric analysis, UV–vis spectroscopy, and diffuse
reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The synthesis procedure offered CdS
QDs of 1–7 nm (average particle size of 3.2 nm). The functional
groups of CTS modulate the in situ growth of CdS QDs and prevent the
agglomeration of CdS QDs, offering homogenous distribution inside
CTS. CdS@CTS QDs can also be used for naked-eye detection of heavy
metals with high selectivity toward copper (Cu
2+
) ions.
The mechanism of interactions between Cu
2+
ions and CdS@CTS
QDs were further studied.