Solution processing of CuSe quantum dots: Photocatalytic activity under RhB for UV and visible-light solar irradiation

• Reflex method generates highly crystalline products with high purity.
• Photocatalytic activities are closely related with their surface area.
• The average lattice constants are a = 3.96 Å & c = 17.23 Å.
• Atomic percentage of Cu and Se elements sample is 54.65 and 45.35.
• Stoichiometric atomic percentage of Cu is 33.33% and Se is 66.67%.

Exploit of photodegradation and photocatalytic activity of large scale synthesis of (CuSe) copper selenide semiconductor quantum dots was reported. The obtained nanocrystals were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis) photoluminescence (PL) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The crystalline, nearly monodisperse with uniform size were synthesized by the reflux condensation method. This method promises a range of possibilities for the preparation of CuSe materials with enhanced properties. Experimental investigation shows the nanoscale photocatalysts with high surface area, small particle size and high crystallinity is of current interest in nanophase materials. The chemical composition of the CuSe samples and the valence states of elements were determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). We present our investigations to the shape and size of the quantum dots and are good agreement with experimental results.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide