Synthesis and Optical Properties of PbSe Nanorods with Controlled Diameter and Length

The synthesis of PbSe nanorods with low branching (<1%), high aspect ratios (up to ∼16), and controlled lengths and diameters was demonstrated via the removal of water and oleic acid from the synthesis precursors. It was determined that the proper combination of reaction time and temperature allows for the control of PbSe nanorod length and diameter and therefore control over their electronic states, as probed through absorbance and photoluminescence measurements. Similar to PbSe nanowires, nanorods display higher Stokes shifts than for spherical nanocrystals due to intrananorod diameter fluctuations.