Enhanced optical sensing by carbon nanotube functionalized with CdS particles

CdS nanostructures were grown on multi wall nanotubes (MWNTs) by electrochemical deposition. Nanoparticles of about 5 nm in size formed on the outer shell of MWNTs without any catalyst being present. CdS nucleated with a high degree of selectivity at the tip of MWNT but a small number of particles were also formed on the body at the higher cathodic potential. Formation of CdS was confirmed by various characterization methods. Finally, we report on the optical sensing properties of a CdS-coated MWNTs.