Time-Lapse Traces of Transformation of CdTe Nanoparticles into Nanowires via Self-Assembly

Abstract

Nanostructures formed by self-assembly of semiconductor nanoparticles have unique properties that make them useful in various fields. In particular, cadmium telluride is being actively studied in the field of solar cells on the strengths of its long-term stability and low cost. In this study cadmium telluride nanoparticles were synthesized into nanowires in the dark and their evolutionary process was investigated. Thioglycolic acid was selected from among several thiol-based stabilizers. A ratio of 1.4:1 (thioglycolic acid to cadmium ion) was used rather than the traditional 2.4:1 ratio. In this study, nanowires were prepared by self-assembly of nanoparticles and the process of forming straight nanowires was observed. Synthesized nanowires were observed by using a scanning electron microscope and a transmission electron microscope, and the synthesized nanostructures were characterized. The wavelength of photoluminescence was converted from 549.9 nm to 553.3 nm as nanoparticles transformed into nanowires in an aqueous solution. The nanowire solution did not precipitate even after 60 days. The suggested synthetic procedure thus provides a viable pathway for the fabrication of nanomaterials.