Hierarchical assembly of CdTe nanotubes and nanowires at water-oil interface

High aspect ratio CdTe nanostructures were fabricated by hierarchical assembly of nanoparticles at the water-oil interface. The nature of two distinct morphologies, nanotubes and nanowires, was explored as a function of preparation parameters. Semiconductor CdTe nanoparticles covered with a mixed monolayer of n-dodecanethiol and thioglycollic acid were prepared and found to mediate the oil-water interface by assembly. CdTe nanoparticles in water phase, as starting materials, initiated the synthesis of nanotubes and nanowires. Acetone as an additional component was crucial in the phase transfer process. Some factors, including reaction temperature, reaction time, additional components, and reactant ratio, controlled the morphology of the products. The present method could be readily used to construct nanostructures possessing biological application potentials.