Characterization of single phase copper selenide nanoparticles and their growth mechanism

The high quality Cu3Se2 phase of copper selenide nanoparticles was synthesized through the solution-phase chemical reaction between copper and selenium. In this synthesis process, hydrazine hydrate acts as reducing agent whereas ethylene glycol controls the nucleation and growth of particles. An effort has been made to explain the growth mechanism to form copper selenide nanoparticles through the coordination of selenium to the Cu2+ complexes with OH groups of ethylene glycol. Result indicates the formation of Cu3Se2 single phase nanoparticles. The particles with the average particle size 25 nm are spherical in shape having tetragonal structure. The particles are well crystallized having 94% degree of crystallinity. An effort has also been made to determine the energy band gap of copper selenide nanoparticles through the absorption spectra.

► A unique technique was used to synthesize copper selenide nanoparticles.
► Reaction mechanism to form copper selenide nanoparticles has been explained.
► The structure, morphology and energy band gap have been investigated.