Synthesis of CuInSe2 monodisperse nanoparticles and the nanorings shape evolution via a green solution reaction route

High-quality CuInSe2 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized through a green, simple, low-cost route using environmentally friendly N-oleoylmorpholine as a new solvent of Se powder and oleylamine as capping ligand. The as-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, TEM, HRTEM, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The experimental results revealed that the as-prepared CuInSe2 nanoparticles with chalcopyrite tetragonal structure have an average size about 8 nm. The facile and green synthesis strategy was also used to synthesize hexagonal shaped CuInSe2 nanorings by altering the synthesis parameters. Possible shape evolution and crystals growth mechanisms have been suggested for the formation of spherical shaped CuInSe2 nanoparticles and hexagonal shaped CuInSe2 nanorings, respectively.