CdTe@Cu(OH)2 nanocomposite: Aqueous synthesis and characterization

CdTe@Cu(OH)2 nanocomposites were synthesized in aqueous solution by a seed-mediated growth approach. The effect of refluxing time and the concentration of Cu2+ on the preparation of these samples were measured using UV–visible absorption and photoluminescence analysis. The emission peak of the synthesized nanocomposites (CdTe@Cu(OH)2) was shifted from 605 (CdTe seed) to 621 nm. The size of CdTe nanoparticles were averaged about 3.22 nm, and the CdTe@Cu(OH)2 nanocomposites were averaged as 5.19 nm. The synthesized CdTe@Cu(OH)2 nanocomposite were characterized with XRD, EDAX, TEM, FT-IR, EPR, and thermal analysis (TG/DTG curves). The results indicate that as-prepared nanoparticles with core/shell structure exhibit interesting optical properties.

Graphical AbstractSchematic of aqueous synthesis route for CdTe@Cu(OH)2 nanocomposite and The Stokes shift of CdTe nanocrystals and CdTe@Cu(OH)2 Nanocomposites, (CdTe: emission at 605 nm, CdTe@Cu(OH)2: emission at 621 nm).Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► CdTe@Cu(OH)2 nanocomposites were synthesized by a seed-mediated growth approach.
► The synthetic procedure is simple, and can be easily scaled up.
► The effect of refluxing time on the preparation of these samples was measured.
► The Cu(OH)2 shell thickness was controlled by the amount of Cu in the solution.
► TEM images demonstrated homogeneous size distribution for these nanocomposites.