High quality multi-layered nanostructured bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) with an asymmetric, elongated hexagonal morphology were obtained in a selenium-rich atmosphere by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using high purity Se and Bi2Se3 powder as source materials. The measurement results reveal that Au particles only serve as the initial stage nucleation of the Bi2Se3 nanostructures at a low temperature. The Se powder in the source materials is helpful to ensure the stoichiometry and decrease the selenium vacancies, and causes the wide Bi2Se3 nanoribbons to grow along the lateral direction. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.