ZnSe nanotrenches: formation mechanism and its role as a 1D template

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy was used to characterize the microstructures of ZnSe nanotrenches induced by mobile Au-alloy droplets. The contact side interfaces between the AuZnδ alloy droplets and the ZnSe as well as the four side walls of the resulting -oriented nanotrenches were found all belong to the {111} plane family, with the front and back walls being the {111}A planes while the other two side walls being the {111}B planes. These findings offer a deeper understanding on the formation mechanism of the nanotrenches. Pure Au nanodashes were formed upon further deposition of Au on the nanotrenches.