Shape evolution of ZnTe nanocrystals: Nanoflowers, nanodots, and nanorods

We synthesized highly crystalline zinc telluride (ZnTe) nanocrystals with a controlled shape using various growth conditions. The following amines were used as activation agents for the zinc precursor: zinc stearate, octylamine (OA), dodecylamine (DDA), octadecylamine (ODA), and trioctylamine (TOA). Unique 3-D nanoflowers (av size = 20-120 nm) that consisted of a number of nanodots (av size = 4-11 nm) were efficiently produced when no amine or TOA was used. Dispersed nanodots were produced when OA, DDA, or ODA were used. These results indicate that the steric effect of alkyl chains plays an important role in the formation of nanoflowers. Furthermore, the shape evolution from nanoflowers to nanorods occurred at higher growth temperatures, and nanoflowers and nanorods eventually evolved into nanodots after incubation.