CdSe Nanocrystal Assemblies
on Anodized TiO<sub>2</sub> Nanotubes: Optical, Surface, and Photoelectrochemical
Properties
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Abstract
The in situ preparation of high-quality organically synthesized
cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanocrystals on TiO<sub>2</sub> nanotubes
(T_NT) prepared by anodization is presented. The deposition of CdSe
nanocrystals has been facilitated under a high-pressure and low-viscosity
solvothermal process. The formation, growth, and assembly of CdSe
nanocrystals in the form of a dense film on T_NT have been studied
using thermal (thermogravimetry and calorimetry) and optical (UV–vis
and microscopy) techniques. It has been concluded that an organic
treatment, followed by annealing under a nitrogen atmosphere at reduced
temperatures, helps control CdSe nanocrystal morphology without causing
significant particle size growth. Photoelectrochemical measurements
indicate that the electrode assembly consisting of T_NT and CdSe can
achieve a stable photocurrent density of 6.7 mA/cm<sup>2</sup> and a charge-separation efficiency of 35%