Preparation of cadmium telluride nanoparticles from aqueous solutions by sonochemical method

Cadmium telluride nanoparticles with sizes between 8 and 13 nm have been synthesized via a sonochemical route using cadmium sulfate hydrate (CdSO4·8/3H2O), cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and elemental Te as precursors and aqueous solutions of NaOH and EDTA as solvents. The qualitative characterization and estimation of nanoparticle size were carried out by using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The morphology of nanoparticles was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Changes of physical and chemical properties of the prepared CdTe nanoparticles at increased temperature were studied by thermal analysis (TGA, SDTA). A probable mechanism for the sonochemical formation of CdTe is proposed.

► Synthesis of CdTe under ultrasonic irradiation is reported.
► Reactions were carried out in aqueous solutions of NaOH and EDTA.
► Nanoparticles with crystallite sizes 8–13 nm were obtained.
► Thermal behavior was studied by TG and XRD measurements.