Synthesis and Characterization of Wurtzite ZnTe Nanorods with Controllable Aspect Ratios

ZnTe nanorods with controllable aspect ratios were synthesized using polytellurides a tellurium precursor. The use of polytellurides which allow nucleation and growth at relatively low temperature is the key to formation of wurtzite phase and controlled anisotropic growth along c-axis. The aspect ratio of the resulting ZnTe nanorods was controlled by tuning the temperature that in turn controls the kinetics of the nanocrystal growth. A diameter dependent quantum confinement effect in ZnTe nanorods was observed by UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. Transient absorption measurements show ultrafast charge injection dynamics from ZnTe nanorods, suggesting their strong potential for applications in photocatalysis.