This paper presents the results of the research on the luminescence of cadmium sulfide nanocrystals (NCs) synthesized by colloid chemistry in a gelatinous matrix. The photostimulation of the short-wavelength emission band with λmax = 480 nm has been detected. It is shown that the determining factor of the photostimulation effect is the adsorption of the water molecules on the surface of NC. The observed effect is explained by the recombination mechanism that is responsible for the short-wavelength emission band.
Keywords: cadmium sulfide (CdS); luminescence; nanoparticles; short-wavelength emission band; surface modification.