Self-assemble, growth mechanism, and optical properties of complex and oriented 3D CdCO3 pyramids consist of single crystal parallel tetrahedrons

We synthesized complex 3D CdCO3 pyramids consisting of arrays of oriented CdCO3 parallel tetrahedrons using controlled seeded growth and Cd2+ cations that selectively adsorb onto CdCO3 basal planes as the structure-directing agent. A growth mechanism of 3D CdCO3 pyramids was suggested and explained in detail. The optical properties of some of these 3D CdCO3 pyramids were demonstrated by infrared (IR), UV–vis diffuse reflectance (UV–vis), and photoluminescence (PL) spectra, suggesting potential applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices.

► The complex 3D CdCO3 pyramids were synthesized using controlled seeded growth.
► The growth mechanism of 3D CdCO3 pyramids was suggested and explained in detail.
► The optical properties of some of these 3D CdCO3 pyramids were demonstrated.