In-situ pulsed laser induced growth of CdS nanoparticles on ZnO nanorods surfaces. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodríguez-Martínez, Y.; Alba-Cabañas, J.; Cruzata, O.; Bianco, S.; Tresso, E.; Rossi, F.; Vaillant-Roca, L.
• Is Part Of: Materials research bulletin. Volume 125(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: A. Nanostructures -- A. Inorganic compounds -- B. Chemical synthesis -- C. Electron microscopy -- D. Defects; Materials -- Periodicals; Crystal growth -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Cristaux -- Croissance -- Périodiques; Crystal growth; Materials; Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2020.110790
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-5408

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: A homogeneous covering of ZnO nanorods with CdS nanocrystals was obtained using an in-situ low-cost laser-based technique. Optimal effective growth of CdS nanoparticles over ZnO nanorods was obtained for fluences around 40 mJ/cm2 and 2 laser shots. XRD and Raman measurements show the presence of CdS with hexagonal phase. CL spectra show passivation of surface defects in ZnO nanorods after CdS activation. Abstract: Herein we present a process for the in-situ growth of CdS nanoparticles using a pulsed laser irradiation. A Nd-YAG laser was applied to ZnO nanorods previously submerged in an aqueous precursor solution containing cadmium chloride and thiourea. For optimum values of the laser fluence, around 40 mJ/cm 2 it was possible to fabricate a highly homogeneous film of CdS nanoparticles covering the ZnO nanorods surface. Cathodoluminescence measurements of the ZnO/CdS structure show the quenching of the ZnO yellow and green luminescence, indicating the ZnO surface defects passivation by CdS nanostructures. Although lasers have been already used for inducing growth in solution, this work presents new evidence of in-situ growth on the surface of nanostructured materials. The laser based technique presented is simple, easy to implement, scalable and it could be applied in the fabrication of nanostructured solar cells and other devices.