Sacrificial template growth of CdS nanotubes from Cd(OH)2 nanowires

A diffusion-controlled process was proposed for the preparation of inorganic nanotubes from nanowires. The preformed Cd(OH)2 nanowires were used as the sacrificial templates to generate CdS nanotubes with different wall thickness. The axle–sleeve transition state found in-between the precursor and the formation of products proves the diffusion-controlled mechanism. CdS nanotubes can be prepared via this method at different temperature and with various sulfide sources. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) results showed that all obtained CdS nanotubes consist conglomerated crystallites, and the crystallinity can be altered by changing the temperature of the growth process. The wall thickness of the produced CdS nanotubes can be controlled by changing the concentration of the sulfide source and stopping the reaction at different stages.