Preparation of highly pure CdSe hollow structures: Their PL and hydrogen absorption properties

Here we report the preparation of highly pure cadmium selenide hollow structures (CSHSs) with 10–20 μm diameter via a solid state reaction under ammonia gas atmosphere. The as-prepared product was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Room temperature photoluminescence (PL) studies exhibited an orange emission band at 1.76 eV which corresponds to the bandgap of CdSe. The hydrogen storage properties of CdSe hollow structures measured at 573 K exhibited a reasonable value of 1.0 wt% which is comparable with several reported results of other materials. This indicates the potential use of CSHSs in light emitting devices as well as an interesting material for hydrogen absorption research.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► CdSe hollow structures are obtained by solid state reaction under NH3 gas. ► VS growth mechanism governs the formation of CdSe hollow structures (CSHSs). ► Hydrogen absorption capacity of about 1.0 wt% was observed for CSHSs at 573 K. ► PL spectrum for CSHSs exhibits an orange emission band at 1.74 eV.