Independent growth of large scale CdS nanorod arrays on different interfaces with efficient photoelectrical performance

Large-scale CdS nanorod arrays have been prepared directly by a simple one-step and non-template magnetron sputtering method on different substrates. Parallel and uniform CdS nanorods with diameters ∼ 70 nm were self-assembled with (00l) orientation regardless of the substrate. The CdS nanorod arrays showed high open-circuit photovoltage, short-circuit photocurrent intensity and excellent photosensitivity properties with a switching "ON/OFF" ratio as high as 60. This study provides a simple strategy to grow CdS nanorod arrays without the constraints introduced by the substrate and opens a new potential for the application of CdS nanorod arrays in photodetectors and nanostructured solar energy conversion devices.