Transformation of ZnTe nanowires to CdTe nanowires through the formation of ZnCdTe–CdTe core–shell structure by vapor transport

Abstract

Single-crystalline ZnTe nanowires were transformed into single-crystalline CdTe nanowires by Cd vapor transport. The composition was controlled by adjusting the reaction time, and the formation of the ZnCdTe–CdTe core–shell nanocable structure as an intermediate was observed. Their morphology and crystal structure were retained during the transformation. The progressive composition change from ZnTe to CdTe tunes the emission wavelength from the green (528 nm) to red (855 nm) color regions . We fabricated field effect transistors using the ZnTe and CdTe nanowires, providing evidence that their p-type semiconductor characteristics remain the same after the transformation.