Synthesis and microstructural control of flower-like cadmium germanate

Flower-like Cd2Ge2O6 have been synthesized using a facile hydrothermal process with ethylenediamine. The roles of hydrothermal conditions on the size and morphology of the flower-like Cd2Ge2O6 were investigated. The research results show that the obtained Cd2Ge2O6 presents a flower-like microstructures composed by radial nanorods with diameter of 50–100 nm and length of 0.5–2 μm, respectively. The formation mechanism of the flower-like Cd2Ge2O6 is explained according to the ethylenediamine-assisted nucleation-“Ostwald ripening” process.

► Cd2Ge2O6 flower-like microstructures were synthesized using ethylenediamine.
► Cd2Ge2O6 flower-like microstructures can be controlled by growth conditions.
► Ethylenediamine induces the growth of the Cd2Ge2O6 flower-like microstructures.