One-step hydrothermal synthesis of CdTe nanowires with amorphous carbon sheaths

Abstract CdTe nanowires with carbon sheaths were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal process using ascorbic acid as a reducing agent and carbonization source. The average diameter of CdTe core nanowires and thickness of amorphous carbon sheaths are about 20 nm and 10 nm, respectively. During this process, carbon-coated Te nanowires were formed and then reacted with Cd 2+ ions, resulting in the formation of carbon-coated CdTe nanowires. Additionally, the size and shape of the CdTe nanowires were determined during the initial stage of Te formation.