CdS nanotubes and Y-branched nanochannels in AAM fabricated by a double diffusion route

Abstract

Polycrystalline CdS nanotubes and a novel partition nanostructure were prepared in an anodic alumina membrane (AAM) template using a double diffusion method at room temperature. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) investigations indicate that the nanotubes consisting of CdS grains have been synthesized in the AAM nanoholes. The influence of the reagent concentration on the morphology of the nanotubes has been systemically studied using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). It is confirmed that the Y-branched nanochannels can only formed under certain concentrations of the reactants (CdCl2 and Na2S solutions). This novel Y-branched nanostructure may have potential applications for preparation of complicated nanostructure materials. Copyright © 2011 Yong Lv et al.