Synthesis of various metal selenidenanostructures using the novel selenium precursor 1,5-bis(3-methylimidazole-2-selone)pentane

Abstract

1,5-Bis(3-methylimidazole-2-selone)pentane (Pbis), which belongs to the coordination chemistry of organochalcogenone compounds, was used as a novel Se precursor to purposely synthesize various metal selenide nanostructures. By this method, CdSe, Bi₂Se₃, ZnSe and PbSe have been successfully prepared and all exhibit relatively uniform size and morphology. High water solubility and good dispersity is achieved by using poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) as the capping agent. At the same time, the shape of the metal selenide nanostructures could be controlled by adjusting the experimental conditions. The thermoelectric properties of the Bi₂Se₃ have also been discussed. It would be expected that Pbis could be more widely used to prepare more metal selenide nanostructures with uniform morphologies, sizes, and remarkable properties.