Formation of Core/Shell-Type ZnO/CeO(2) Nanorods and CeO(2) Nanotube Arrays by Aqueous Synthesis and Wet-Etching

Abstract

Aqueous synthesis and wet-etching process for fabricating core/shell-type ZnO/CeO(2) nanorods and CeO(2) nanotube arrays without any chemical modification or assisted surfactant are reported. Ce ions are adsorbed on ZnO to form core/shell-type ZnO/CeO(2) nanorods and polycrystalline CeO(2) nanotubes are fabricated by wet-etching the ZnO cores with a dilute hydrochloric acid solution. The as-synthesized ZnO/CeO(2) nanorods reveal that the ZnO cores are coated with CeO(2) shells to form a plastered layer. The obtained CeO(2) nanotubes show a perfect hexagonal structure and large cavities. The possible formation mechanism for the core/shell-type ZnO/CeO(2) nanorods and CeO(2) nanotube arrays is discussed.