Advantageous mechanochemical synthesis of copper(Ⅰ)selenide semiconductor,characterization,and properties

Copper(I)selenide-nanocrystalline semiconductor was synthesized via one-step mechanochemical synthesis after 5 min milling in a planetary ball mill.The kinetics of synthesis was followed by X-ray powder diffraction analysis and specific surface area measurements of milled 2Cu/Se mixtures.The X-ray diffraction confirmed the orthorhombic crystal structure of Cu₂Se with the crystallite size～25 nm.The surface chemical structure was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,whereby the binding energy of the Cu 2p and Se 3d signals corresponded to Cu⁺and Se^2?oxidation states.Transmission electron microscopy revealed agglomerated nanocrystals and confirmed their orthorhombic structure,as well.The optical properties were studied utilizing ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy.The direct bandgap energy 3.7 eV indicated a blue-shift phenomenon due to the quantum size effect.This type of Cu₂Se synthesis can be easily adapted to production dimensions using an industrial vibratory mill.The advantages of mechanochemical synthesis represent the potential for inexpensive,environmentally-friendly,and waste-free manufacturing of Cu₂Se.