Fabrication of dumbbell-like CdTe/Au nanohybrids

Dumbbell-like CdTe/Au nanohybrids were synthesized by assembly of CdTe quantum dots with the assistance of AuCl4− in aqueous solution. The products were characterized by TEM and SEM techniques. The images reveal that dumbbell-like nanostructures with uniform size were well formed. The dumbbell-like nanostructures were further characterized by HRTEM and EDX spectrum. The results indicate that the as-prepared dumbbell-like nanostructures were composed of CdTe quantum dots and Au nanoparticles. The effect of HAuCl4 concentration on the morphology of the products was also investigated, which shows that the morphology of the products evolved from sheaf-like nanostructures to rod-like nanostructures and finally dumbbell-like nanostructures as the HAuCl4 concentration increased. Based on the above results, a possible mechanism for the formation of dumbbell-like CdTe/Au nanohybrids is proposed.

► Dumbbell-like CdTe/Au nanohybrids were prepared.
► The dumbbell-like nanohybrids have rough surface.
► The nanohybrids could be used in photocatalysis and photoconducting devices.