Abstract: Core/shell structures of CdS/SiO2 were synthesized through the ammonium hydroxide catalyzed hydrolysis of tetraethylorthosilicate(TEOS) in alcohol media containing presynthesized CdS nanorods. Xray diffraction(XRD), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), UVVis spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy were employed to characterize the obtained coreshell structures. The thickness of the amorphous SiO2 shell ranges from 10 to 30 nm, and increases with the concentration of the TEOS used. The photoluminescence intensity of the coreshell structures is enhanced for the CdS nanorod samples with only a thin layer (< 10 nm) of SiO2 shell on the CdS nanorod, and is reduced for the sample with a thicker SiO2 shell. Possible reasons contributing to the variations of the photoluminescence were discussed.

Key words: Core shell structure, CdS nanorods, Semiconductor, Composite structure, Photoluminescence