Effect of annealing temperature on the structural, morphological and optical properties of TiO2 nanotubes and their composites with CdSe Quantum dots

Abstract

In the present work we have synthesized Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanotubes using hydrothermal method, and studied the effect of annealing temperature on the crystalinity of the nanotubes. The nanotubes obtained were annealed at 400^o C and 600^o C. In order to elucidate the changes caused by the annealing temperature transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used. The composites of titania nanotubes and CdSe quantum dots were prepared using bifunctional linker, mercaptopropionic acid. The nanocomposites were characterized using TEM and XDR. The optical propierties of the modified TiO₂ nanotubes and their composites with CdSe (for potential solar cell applications) were characterized by UV-Vis absorption spectra and photoluminescence (PL) spectra.