Complete colloidal synthesis of Cu₂SnSe₃ nanocrystals with crystal phase and shape control

Here we report an investigation of systematic control of crystal phase in the ternary nanocrystal system, dicopper tin triselenide. Optimizing the synthetic parameters allows modulation between nucleation and growth in either the hexagonal or cubic phase. In addition to size controlled single crystals, the particles can be tuned to occur as 1D linear heterostructures or 3D tetrapods with growth in one phase and termination in the alternate.