Fabrication of single-crystalline ZnSe multipod-based structures

ZnSe multipod-based structures, including tetrapod-like microrods, long microwires, and short nanorods, are selectively prepared by atmospheric pressure thermal evaporation of ZnSe nanoparticles without using any catalyst. The morphologies could be well controlled by simply adjusting the deposition position. The phase structures, morphologies, and optical properties of the products are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. A vapor-liquid mechanism is proposed for the formation of ZnSe multipod-based structures. The presented route is expected to be applied to the synthesis of other II-VI groups or other group’s semiconductor materials with controllable morphologies.