A simple, convenient, mild hydrothermal route to nanocrystalline CuSe and Ag2Se

Abstract A convenient hydrothermal method has been successfully developed to prepare nanocrystalline CuSe and Ag 2 Se, based on the reactions of CuCl 2 ·2H 2 O and AgNO 3 with elemental selenium in dilute aqueous ammonia systems, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) examinations were carried out to determine the phase, grain size, morphology, and purity of the products. The aqueous ammonia system plays an important role in the formation of nanocrystalline CuSe and Ag 2 Se. A possible mechanism is proposed.