Impact of n-heptane as surfactant in the formation of CdO nanowires through microwave combustion

A microwave-assisted combustion route for the preparation of cadmium oxide (CdO) nanowire is carried and its characterization results are discussed. This method resembles a supportive way in the formation of CdO nanowire which is confirmed with the structure and morphological analysis carried for the prepared sample. Microwave combustion method is a cost effective and less time consumption to achieve CdO nanowires. The controlled shapes and size are attained due to microwave irradiation. Yielded sample is investigated with Fourier transformation infra-red (FTIR) spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with SAED pattern. The formation of CdO phase with a face centered cubic structure is confirmed from XRD spectra and the presence of CdO metallic bond is also confirmed with FTIR spectra. The formation of CdO nanowires is visualized through the TEM images and presence of elements is also recorded from EDX spectra.

Graphical abstractFormation of wires for the cadmium oxide semiconductors is carried using a novel microwave-assisted combustion route. The TEM micrographs represent the wire like structural formation of prepared CdO sample. From the micrographs it could be seen that the wires possessing diameter of 25-30 nm are acknowledged with tiny particles having 8-20 nm crystallite sizes.Download full-size imageHighlights► Synthesized CdO wires with tiny particles on its surface. ► Wires with diameters 25-30 nm and tiny particles are of 8-20 nm in size. ► Good thermal stability of the prepared CdO sample observed from TG analysis.