Surface structure and optical property of amorphous carbon nanotubes hybridized with cadmium selenide quantum dots

Abstract

Amorphous carbon nanotubes (α-CNTs) were synthesized by a chemical reaction between ferrocene and ammonium chloride at low temperature. The as-synthesized α-CNTs were then hybridized with cadmium selenide quantum dots (CdSe QDs) through a simple chemical process. Raman spectra reveal the amorphous nature of the α-CNTs surface. X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed the amorphous phase of carbon and the formation of CdSe QDs crystalline phase. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM and HRTEM) indicate that the successfully formed hybridized α-CNTs–CdSe QDs possess an average outer diameter in the range of 110–130 nm. The CdSe QDs fall in the size range of 15–40 nm. UV–visible spectroscopy showed quantum confinement effect due to the attachment of CdSe QDs on the surface of α-CNTs.