Synthesis and characterization of hexagonal nano-sized nickel selenide by simple hydrothermal method assisted by CTAB

Nano-sized nickel selenide powders have been successfully synthesized via an improved hydrothermal route based on the reaction between NiCl2·6H2O, SeCl4 and hydrazine (N2H4·H2O) in water, in present of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as surfactant, at various conditions. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. Effects of temperature, reaction time and reductant agent on the morphology, the particle sizes and the phase of the final products have been investigated. It was found that the phase and morphology of the products could be greatly influenced by these parameters. The synthesis procedure is simple and uses less toxic reagents than the previously reported methods. Photoluminescence (PL) was used to study the optical properties of NiSe samples.

► NiSe nanostructures were synthesized by hydrothermal method. ► CTAB as capping agent plays a crucial role on the morphology of products. ► Reaction time and reductant agent can be affected on morphology of products.