Influence of EDTA2− on the hydrothermal synthesis of CdTe nanocrystallites

► EDTA serves as a strong ligand with Cd2+. ► The existence of EDTA constrains the nucleation of CdTe and promotes the formation of Te nanorods. ► With the proceeding of reaction, CdTe nucleus began to emerge on the surface, especially on the tips of Te nanorods. ► Nearly monodispersed hexagonal CdTe nanoparticles with diameters of about 200 nm were finally obtained.