Effect of preparation conditions on synthesis of Ag2Se nanoparticles by simple sonochemical method assisted by thiourea

Silver selenide (Ag2Se) nanoparticles have been sonochemically synthesized from the reaction of AgNO3 and SeCl4 as precursors, in the presence of thiourea (CH4N2S) and hydrazine hydrate (N2H4·H2O). It is found that the ultrasonic power, reaction time and temperature and molar ratio between AgNO3 and SeCl4 play important roles in controlling the composition, structure, morphology and particle size of products. The products are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The synthesis is performed conveniently and safely.