Synthesis and Characterization of PbSe Quantum Wires, Multipods, Quantum Rods, and Cubes

Free-standing PbSe nanocrystals, including quantum wires, multipods, quantum rods, quantum dots, and cubes, were produced in a colloidal solution in the presence of alkyl-diamine solvent at 10−117 °C. The morphology of the nanocrystals was governed by a solvent coordinating molecular template mechanism, which was further adjusted by the temperature and duration of the reaction. Crystalline wires with diameters of approximately 20 nm and lengths of 1−5 μm were formed at the lowest temperatures, while quantum rods (with an aspect ratio of ∼5) and cubes (with 100−500 nm edge) were formed at elevated temperatures.