Following the formation of nanometer-sized clusters by time-resolved SAXS and EXAFS techniques.

Time-resolved in situ SAXS and XAS measurements were carried out to monitor the formation of nanoparticles of the sulfides of cadmium and zinc, from solutions containing he corresponding acetate, and thioacetamide under solvothermal conditions. Analysis of the SAXS data shows that particles of ca 5 nm in radius form within the first few minutes of the reaction and then grow uniformly to ca 20 nm over a period of two hours resulting in a highly mono-dispersed particle distribution. EXAFS data of the CdS particles also prepared by solvothermal methods and recorded at 20 K, support the formation of nano-meter sized particles.