Formation of semiconductor Cu2−xSe rod-like crystals through a solvothermal reaction

Micron-sized rod-like crystals of Cu2−xSe were successfully grown for the first time by a hydrothermal reaction from CuCl2·2H2O and Se powder at 60°C for 2 h. X-ray powder diffraction patterns (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images show that the product is cubic Cu2−xSe rod-like crystal and well crystallized. Hydrazine hydrate was used as solvent in the process and played an important role in the formation of rod-like Cu2−xSe crystals. The optical properties of Cu2−xSe, such as absorption spectra, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, and Raman spectrum are also reported for the first time.