posted on 2016-02-19, 19:29authored byHan-Qiao Shi, Yu Liu, Hong-Mei Xiao, Shao-Yun Fu
Novel three-dimensional (3D) spiral flowerlike Cd(OH)2 structures were prepared for the first time through a tartrate-induced
hydrothermal self-assembly route. Scanning electron microscopy observation
showed that the nanopetals were assembled in the way of spiraling
sequential overlap on the side edge of early nanopetals to gradually
form the 3D spiral flowerlike Cd(OH)2 structures. Time-dependent
experiments with appropriate intervals have clearly disclosed that
the self-assembly process of 3D spiral Cd(OH)2 flowers
is governed by a nucleation–dissolution–recrystallization
growth mechanism. The self-assembled 3D spiral Cd(OH)2 flowers
are highly positively charged and possess superior adsorption and
separation performance over other two morphological structures of
hollow spheres and sub-microsized plates reported previously. The
largely preferential exposure of the (001) plane with the highest
surface charge density is the dominant cause for the excellent adsorption
and separation performance.