Nanostructures are considered the critical component in a wide range of potential nanoscale device applications. Yet a procedure to fabricate them with both controllable results and in bulk quantities must be developed in order to achieve their commercialization at reduced cost. In this report, we introduce an improved vapor-liquid-solid method that is capable of preparing high yield, high quality CdS nanowires and nanobelts in a turf-like configuration. To increase yield, we placed gold-coated substrates in a ceramic boat partially covered with a glass slide to form a gas trap. Only a small opening was provided to allow the CdS vapor to escape from the trap. This arrangement increases catalyst exposure to CdS vapor flow in comparison to conventional CVD methods. This allowed the CdS vapor to deposit densely over the substrate at a predetermined temperature range of 501°C-630°C inside the quartz tube. These conditions results in synthesis of various morphologies on both quartz and tungsten substrates including an intertwined-like structure not previously reported. Electron microscopy and microanalysis techniques were utilized in characterizing these morphologies, internal structures and elemental compositions. Electron field emission properties were investigated in an ultra high vacuum chamber set up with a base pressure of ∼1E-9 torr.