Shape-controlled synthesis of CdCO3 microcrystals and corresponding nanoporous CdO architectures

Abstract

In this paper, we have demonstrated a simple ethylene glycol (EG) mediated solution method for the controlled synthesis of cadmium carbonate (CdCO₃) microcrystals. The volume ratios of EG and water have a decisive impact on the morphology of CdCO₃. With a decreased water volume, CdCO₃ microcrystals transformed from microcubes to nanobelts. Concave microcubes, pinecone-like, and dumbbell-shaped CdCO₃ microcrystals were also synthesized with moderate volume ratios of EG and water. The types of cadmium source also has great influence on the formation of CdCO₃ microcrystals. Cadmium nitrate and cadmium sulfate are two effective cadmium sources for the preparation of CdCO₃ microcrystals. However, pure CdCO₃ microcrystals can not be obtained when using cadmium chloride as the cadmium source. The as-prepared CdCO₃ microcrystals were an excellent precursor for the fabrication of nanoporous CdO micro/nanostructures via a simple thermal transformation process. This simple and controllable solution method opens an important way to fabricate nanoporous CdO micro/nanostructures.