Preparation of novel layer-stack hexagonal CdO micro-rods by a pre-oxidation and subsequent evaporation process

•Novel hexagonal layer-stack structure CdO micro-rods were synthesized by a thermal evaporation method.•The pre-oxidation, vapor pressure and substrate nature play a key role on the formation of CdO rods.•The formation mechanism of CdO micro-rods was explained.

Novel layer-stack hexagonal cadmium oxide (CdO) micro-rods were prepared by pre-oxidizing Cd granules and subsequent thermal oxidation under normal atmospheric pressure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to characterize the phase structure and microstructure. The pre-oxidation process, vapor pressure and substrate nature were the key factors for the formation of CdO micro-rods. The diameter of micro-rod and surface rough increased with increasing of thermal evaporation temperature, the length of micro-rod increased with the increasing of evaporation time. The formation of hexagonal layer-stack structure was explained by a vapor–solid mechanism.

Graphical abstractLayer-stack hexagonal cadmium oxide (CdO) micro-rods were prepared.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide