Vapor-phase nucleation of individual CdSe nanostructures from shape-engineered nanocrystal seeds

We investigate the vapor-phase nucleation of CdSe nanostructures on nanocrystals seeds of different shapes. The growth dynamics is assessed by transmission electron microscopy, following the evolution of the same nanocrystals prior and after the deposition process. We prove that individual nanocrystals can sustain the growth of single nanowires and determine their final morphology. Straight or branched nanowires are obtained from spherical or tetrapod-shaped nanocrystals, respectively. When tetrapod-shaped nanocrystals are used, we also find that their original shape and orientation are mostly preserved upon further growth.