Translational potential of CuSe nanostructures as advanced energy materials: fundamental insights and emerging multifunctional solar energy conversion applications

Abstract

Extensive research efforts in past few decades have identified thousands of nanoparticles for various potential applications. However, only a few have found relevance in real-world industrial applications. A key question that continues to challenge material researchers is “what truly defines the foundation for designing nanomaterials that can meet all the critical criteria for industrial applications”? This tutorial review begins by highlighting the strategic significance of both metallic and non-metallic components in semiconductor nanomaterial systems. It emphasizes that the intelligent integration of these components can markedly develop the functional properties of semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs). Such synergistic development makes these materials highly attractive for a wide range of industrial applications. Cu–Se synergy mitigates Cu toxicity and yields a low band gap semiconductor with complementary electronic properties of Cu and Se, positioning CuSe as a promising candidate for next-generation solar energy conversion and healthcare technologies. This review emphasizes the crucial role of nanostructures (NSs) design in influencing the photogenerated electron–hole pair's dynamics, detailing various strategies employed to fabricate diverse 0D–3D CuSe NSs. CuSe NSs are also reviewed for their multifunctional solar energy conversion applications, including photocatalysis and photovoltaic cells. Extending beyond solar energy, the promising potential of CuSe NSs in energy storage systems and biomedical applications showcases their versatility and wide-ranging applicability. With a consolidated overview of the findings, the current challenges and future perspectives for harnessing the full potential of CuSe NSs, as advanced multifunctional energy materials, are discussed. Eventually, potential future industrial applications are discussed followed by a summary and outlook.