Optical properties of ZnTe nanorods synthesized via a facile low-temperature solvothermal route

Abstract

ZnTe nanorods have been synthesized in hydrazine hydrate solution at a low temperature of 80 °C and subsequent thermal treatment in N2. The advantages of this method are of simplicity, easy to scale-up, low cost, and without using any organic dispersant or surface capping agent. Scanning electron microscopy images indicate the nanorod shape of as-prepared ZnTe with a diameter of 150-300 nm and length up to several micrometres. X-ray diffraction pattern confirms that the ZnTe nanorods have the cubic structure of zinc blende type with lattice parameter a = 6.111 Å. Thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry investigations reveal that neutral hydrazine and excess tellurium are directly intercalated into the ZnTe precursor framework and are decomposed during the thermal treatment. Absorption spectrum shows that as-synthesized ZnTe nanorods have an interband absorption at 543 nm (2.28 eV). Photoluminescence spectrum and fluorescent imaging of the products exhibit a visible light emission (at 558 nm).