Self-assembly of CdTe QDs into urchin-like microspheres by the assistance of a long-chain ionic liquid monolayer

Abstract

In the present work, urchin-like CdTe microspheres were prepared through the self-assembly of CdTe quantum dots (QDs) via the monolayer of a long-chain ionic liquid, 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (C₁₆mimBr). The TEM and SEM images indicated that the synthesized urchin-like microspheres were about 2.0 μm in diameter and composed of nanorods grown on their surfaces. The effects of the growth time and the concentration of CdTe QDs were investigated, and the results revealed that sufficient growth time and appropriate concentration were both required for the formation of the urchin-like CdTe microspheres. Based on these results, a possible mechanism for the formation of the urchin-like CdTe microspheres is proposed.