Low temperature growth of metastable cubic CdSe nanocrystals and their photoluminescence properties

► Metastable cubic CdSe nanocrystals have been synthesized via water based route along the temperature range 55-95 °C. ► This cubic structure was found preserved at all temperature growths. ► Formation of CdSe nanocrystals and their size are corresponding to the regime of spatial exciton confinement. ► Surface crystal defects are reduced with the increase in the reaction temperature.