Synthesis of Se nanowires at room temperature using selenourea as Se source

High-yield Se nanowires were synthesized in water at room temperature using selenourea as the only reactant. We have investigated the influence of the solvents and surfactants on the morphologies of Se products. When water/CH₃COOH (HAc) was used as solvent, bundles of Se nanowires were prepared. However, when different amines [octylamine, ethylenediamine (EDA), butylamine] were used, we only got Se particles with bad morphology. When SDS was used as surfactant in pure water system, agglomerated nanowires were prepared, and when CTAB was used as surfactant in pure water system, agglomerated Se particles were gotten. Se nanowires and particles prepared in different conditions were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray.