Shape-controllable and template-free synthesis of Cu₂Se nanowires using a Se²⁻ solution prepared by microwave-assisted method

Cu₂Se nanowires with diameters of about 25 nm and several hundred nm in length were synthesized at room temperature using a Se²⁻ solution prepared by microwave-assisted method. The influencing factors to product morphologies were investigated on the basis of series of control experiments. The as-synthesized products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optical properties were studied by means of UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectrum. The results show that the direct band gap energy of the Cu₂Se nanowires is 2.02 eV. Copper sources, molar ratio of Cu/Se element, microwave and reducing agent significantly influence the morphology of the final products. Thus, product morphologies are controllable by simply regulating reaction conditions.