Synthesis of 3D flower-like Cd3P2 microstructures and their optical properties

Three-dimensional (3D) flower-like Cd₃P₂ microstructures were synthesised by a facile solvothermal method. X-ray powder diffraction, electron diffraction pattern, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterise the final products. The results revealed that the 3D flower-like Cd₃P₂ microstructures were pure tetragonal phase and assembled with lots of intercrossed polyhedrons. From SEM, it was interesting to find that the polyhedrons were hollow. Then, the influences of synthetic parameters, such as solvent, reaction temperature and reaction time, on the products were investigated. Furthermore, based on the evolution of the morphology, the possible growth mechanism and optical properties were also discussed.