ZnE (E = S, Se, Te) nanowires grown by the solution-liquid-solid mechanism: Importance of reactant decomposition kinetics and the solvent

The synthesis of ZnE (E = S, Se, Te) nanowires in solution via the solution-liquid-solid (SLS) mechanism is reported. Relatively low nanowire growth temperatures, between 340 and 350 degrees C, were made possible by using bismuth nanocrystals as seeds. Diethyl zinc and zinc(oleate)(2) were studied as Zn reactants, and TOP:E complexes were explored as the chalcogen source. The influence of the solvent on the quality and yield of the nanowires was studied with reactions carried out in either the noncoordinating solvent squalane or the coordinating solvents, trioctylamine (TOA) or trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO). The solvent and reactant chemistry dramatically affect the yield and quality of the nanowires, with Et2Zn being more reactive than Zn(oleate)(2). The use of coordinating solvents provides a means to optimize nanowire growth.