Large Band Gap Attenuation of CdS Nanoclusters after H2S Exposure

Large band gap attenuation of CdS nanoclusters in hybrid sol gel matrix comprised of 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TMSPM), 15 wt. % zirconium, and various amounts of cadmium acetate was observed after $H_2S$ exposure. Hybrid sol gel matrixes were prepared by hydrolysis and condensation reactions. The sol gels contained with various amount of cadmium acetate were spin coated to glass substrates and exposed to $H_2S$ gas. The UV-visible absorption peaks were shifted toward blue with increasing the amount of CdS nanoclusters and were shifted to the red after thermal process. Significant amount of -OH absorption peaks were reduced after thermal process. Strong room temperature photoluminescence (PL) of CdS nanoclusters was observed after exposing to $H_2S$ gas. The PL intensity increased for several minutes and slowly decreased thereafter. The luminescence peaks were continuously shifted toward blue as the time passed. Extraordinary Stokes shift (approximately 160 nm) was observed.