The CdS nanorods and broom-like nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by using gelatin solution as stabiliser. SEM images showed that when the reaction time reached 2 d, the length of the nanorods was from 150 to 710 nm, the diameter from 50 to 140 nm while the reaction time reached 15 d, it was found that the nanorods turned into the broom-like nanoparticles. The length of the broom-like nanoparticles was from 2.7 to 8.4 μm, the node’s diameter from 340 to 620 nm. The cause of particles’ pattern change was discussed. The mechanism of the complex transformation and the fixed position growth were studied by the results of IR spectra, fluorescence spectra and SEM images. The CdS samples showed obvious quantum size effect on UV-Vis and fluorescence spectra.

Key words: cadmium sulfide, nanorod, broom-like nanoparticle, gelatin, spectral property