Long ZnSe nanowires by a seed-catalytic solution synthesis

ZnSe nanowires with a high aspect ratio were synthesized via a solution-phase catalytic growth route, in which Ag2Se seeds served as catalysts and oleylamine (OA) as a surfactant. The strong capping/reducing capability of OA effectively decreased the size of Ag2Se catalytic seeds and thus the diameter of ZnSe nanowires with an improved uniformity. Other surfactants such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and citric acid (CA) were further comparably used in the synthesis, leading to the difference in the diameter and diameter-distribution of ZnSe nanowires. Meanwhile, the UV–vis absorption and Raman spectra of ZnSe nanowires were investigated, indicating a high quality of the resultant nanowires.

► ZnSe nanowires were prepared by a seed-catalytic solution synthesis.
► Ag2Se seeds served as catalysts and oleylamine (OA) as a surfactant.
► The strong capping/reducing capability of OA decreased the ZnSe nanowire diameter.
► Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and citric acid were also used for nanowire synthesis.
► UV–vis absorption and Raman features of ZnSe nanowires were measured.