We characterized the particles synthesized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) coupled with selected area electron diffraction (SAED) analysis. For this study, metal selenide quantum dots were synthesized in situ. First, α-SeNPs were deposited onto negatively charged carbon coated Cu TEM grids. The grid was blotted with filter paper, and washed twice with ultrapure H2O (18.2 mΩ resistivity). The sample was then transformed to ZnSe or CdSe by depositing 5 µL of either ice cold 1 M Zn(OAc)2 or Cd(OAc)2 directly onto the grid, incubating for 5 minutes, and then blotting with filter paper followed by and two water washes, as described above.