2D self-bundled CdS nanorods with micrometer dimension in the absence of an external directing process

In the absence of an external direction-controlling process, exclusive self-bundled arrays of CdS nanorods are formed using a facile solution-based method involving trioctylphosphine (TOP) and tetradecylphosphonic acids (TDPA) as cosurfactants. CdS self-bundled arrays with an area of as large as 2.0 microm(2) could be obtained. A detailed mechanistic investigation leads us to conclude that the matching in nanorod concentration, intrinsic properties of CdS, and the hydrocarbon chains of the surfactants between adjacent CdS rods play key roles in the self-assembly. In sharp contrast to the defect dominant emission in solutions, the self-bundled CdS nanorods exhibit optical emission nearly free from the defect-states, demonstrating their potential for applications in luminescence and photovoltaic devices.