Catalytic synthesis of matchstick-like Ag2Se–ZnSe hetero-nanorods using Ag2S nanocrystals as seeds

Abstract In nanowire catalytic growth, the catalyst particles usually remain at the tip of as-grown nanowires, which can be utilized to prepare matchstick-like heterostructures at the nanoscale. Based on this feature and a solution-phase catalytic growth route, we herein report the synthesis of Ag 2 Se–ZnSe matchstick-like hetero-nanorods, consisting of Ag 2 Se head and ZnSe rod-like stem. Three different kinds of silver sources, including Ag(0), Ag 2 S, and Ag 2 Se, are selected as initial seeds for growing ZnSe crystalline nanowire/rods. By comparison with the case of Ag(0) or Ag 2 Se, the use of Ag 2 S nanoparticles, which alter the chemical composition of catalytic particles and convert to Ag 2 Se catalyst after adding Se precursor (SeO 2 ), is highly effective for the formation of uniform Ag 2 Se–ZnSe hetero-nanorods. The reason for this result may be attributed to a synergistic effect between the size of catalyst particles and the chemical conversion of Ag 2 S to Ag 2 Se.