Novel rib-like ZnxCd1−xS whiskers in silica matrix

•ZnxCd1−xS whiskers in silica matrix with novel rib-like structures were reported.•Novel photoluminescence was presented.•Growth mechanism was proposed.

ZnxCd1−xS whiskers in silica matrix with novel rib-like structure have been synthesized in high yield by a solid–vapor decomposition route. The whiskers are composed of ZnxCd1−xS rod-arrays grown closely parallel to each other with uniform diameter and length. The photoluminescence spectrum of the whiskers revealed a strong blue light emission peak at 469 nm and a weak one at 533 nm, suggesting their potential applications in short wavelength optoelectronic nanodevices.

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