Magnificent CdS three-dimensional nanostructure arrays: the synthesis of a novel nanostructure family for nanotechnology

Magnificent CdS three-dimensional nanostructure arrays, composed of caky plating made up of Cd micro-platelet arrays which are surrounded by an outer layer of well-aligned CdS nanowire/pillar arrays, were successfully prepared through a combination of electroplating and subsequent solvothermal reaction on Cd-coated copper substrates. The nucleation and growth behavior of CdS nanowire/pillars were qualitatively analyzed in terms of kinetics. The results demonstrated that the microstructure of the products shows great dependence on the synthetic conditions, including reactant concentration, growth temperature and time, and the morphological characteristics of the substrate. The coalescence growth of adjacent CdS nanowire/pillars during the growth stage was firstly demonstrated. In addition, the formation mechanism of caky Cd plating was well discussed and also a hydrogen bubbles-assisted growth mechanism based on electrochemistry was proposed to explain the unique plating. The relationship between the microstructure of the products and the synthetic conditions is beneficial for modifying the shape of CdS nanostructures. The as-prepared CdS three-dimensional nanostructure arrays are advantageous for their large surface area, highly ordered structure and conductive growth substrates, and thus may have great potential in many advanced material areas, especially in the field of solar cells.