Synthesis of highly ordered CdSe nanowire arrays embedded in anodic alumina membrane by electrodeposition in ammonia alkaline solution

Highly ordered polycrystalline CdSe nanowire arrays have been synthesized b y direct current (dc) electrodeposition in anodic alumina membrane (AAM) fr om ammonia alkaline solution containing CdCl2 and SeO2. These nanowires hav e uniform diameters of about 60 nm, which correspond to the pore sizes of t he membranes used. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicate that the C dSe nanowires crystallize in a wurtzite structure. The X-ray photoelectron energy spectroscopy and the energy dispersing analysis spectroscopy investi gations demonstrate that stoichiometric CdSe is formed, and the ratio of se lenium to cadmium depends on the pH of the deposition bath. A mechanism for the nanowires growth is suggested. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science BN. All right s reserved.