Controllable synthesis of non-layered two-dimensional plate-like CuGaSe2 materials for optoelectronic devices

Abstract

CuGaSe₂ semiconductor materials, as an important member of the I–III–VI₂ family, have sparked tremendous attention due to their fascinating structure-related properties and promising applications in solar energy storage and conversion. Nevertheless, the controllable preparation of two-dimensional (2D) CuGaSe₂ structures is still a daunting challenge owing to the intrinsic non-layered crystal structure and inaccessible reactivity-matching of multiple reaction precursors, which will seriously impede the much deeper research progress on their properties and applications. Herein, non-layered 2D CuGaSe₂ plates possessing high crystallinity, and uniform size and morphology have been first synthesized by a feasible cation exchange strategy. Because the fabrication of 2D CuGaSe₂ crystals is rarely reported, a particular highlight is laid on the compositional analysis, structural characterization, and formation mechanism. Furthermore, the optical absorption and optoelectronic measurements reveal that the as-synthesized CuGaSe₂ plates exhibit high light harvesting capacity and excellent photoelectric performance. This study opens up a new avenue for the feasible fabrication of non-layered CuGaSe₂ plates possessing a high-quality crystalline structure and provides a promising candidate for the development of novel solar energy conversion and storage devices.