The influence of the cadmium source on the shape of CdSe nanoparticles

Tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) and hexadecylamine (HDA) capped CdSe nanoparticles in the shape of spheres and rods have been synthesized employing a hybrid route involving solution chemistry and thermolysis at high temperatures. The influence of the cadmium source on the shape of the nanoparticles was studied. When cadmium chloride is used spherical particles are formed, however when cadmium carbonate is used rod shaped TOPO and HDA CdSe particles are observed. The absorption and photoluminescence of the CdSe nanorods are also reported.