Effect of nickel salt precursors on morphology, size, optical property and type of products (NiSe or Se) in hydrothermal method

NiSe micro/nanocrystals with multiform morphologies, including particles, rods and flowers were prepared by hydrothermal method from different Ni salts: NiBr2, Ni(ClO4)2⋅6H2O, NiCl2⋅6H2O and NiSO4⋅6H2O. Se nanorods were produced simply by varying the nickel salts to Ni(CH3COO)2⋅H2O and Ni(NO3)2⋅6H2O. The process was performed at 180 °C for 12 h and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and hydrazine hydrate (N2H4⋅H2O) used as surfactant and reductant, respectively. The samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electronic diffraction (SAED) and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The synthesis was performed conveniently and safely.

► A facile hydrothermal route was successfully employed to prepare NiSe and Se.
► Hydrothermal process was performed at 180 °C for 12 h.
► CTAB and hydrazine used as surfactant and reductant, respectively.
► NiSe semiconductors were prepared from NiBr2, Ni(ClO4)2, NiCl2 and NiSO4 precursors.
► Se nanorods were produced from Ni(CH3COO)2⋅H2O and Ni(NO3)2⋅6H2O precursors.