Synthesis of ZnTe dendrites on multi-walled carbon nanotubes/polyimide nanocomposite membrane by electrochemical atomic layer deposition and photoelectrical property research

We report on the electrochemical atomic layer deposition (EC-ALD) of ZnTe dendrites on the carboxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes/polyimide (COOH-MWCNTs/PI) membrane. Electrochemical characteristics were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and the deposition of ZnTe dendrites was completed using amperometric method (I–t). The prepared ZnTe dendrites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The growth mechanism of ZnTe dendrites was elucidated to give a deep understanding of crystal growth. The concentration of reagents and deposition cycle had a significant effect on the morphology and structure of deposits. UV–vis transmission study indicated a direct band gap of 2.26 eV. Photoelectrical measurement confirmed the p-type conductivity of ZnTe dendrites, which indicated that the dendritic ZnTe crystals may have potential practical application in optoelectronic devices.

Representative SEM images of ZnTe dendrites. (a) Panorama of ZnTe dendrites; (b) a single dendrite. The regular branches appeared like leaves and showed a parallel arrangement layer upon layer between each other.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► ZnTe dendrites were successfully synthesized on CNTs/PI membrane by electrodeposition.
► The growth mechanism of ZnTe dendritic structures was investigated in detail.
► The concentration and deposition cycle greatly affected the morphology of ZnTe.
► OCP and I–t studies showed that ZnTe can be beneficial to photoelectric applications.