Translational Potential of CuSe Nanostructures as Advanced Energy Materials: Fundamental Insights and Emerging Multifunctional Solar Energy Conversion Applications

Abstract

Research effort in past few decades extensive identify the thousands of nanoparticles for potential applications. However, only a select number of these have transitioned into industrially relevant technologies. A key question that continues to challenge material researchers is: What truly defines the foundation for designing nanomaterials that can meet all critical criteria to ultimately replace conventional materials in industrial applications? This tutorial review begins by highlighting the strategic significance of both metallic and non-metallic components and their smart integration improve functionality of semiconductor nanoparticles, thereby making them highly attractive for modern chemical product design and industrial applications. Building on these insights, by harnessing the complementary electronic properties of Cu ([Ar] 3d10 4s1) and Se ([Ar] 3d10 4s1 4p4), Cu-Se synergy that mitigates Cu toxicity and yields a low band gap semiconductor, positioning CuSe as a promising candidate for next-generation solar energy conversion and healthcare technologies. It emphasizes the crucial role of CuSe nanostructures (NSs) design in influencing the photogenerated electron-hole pair’s dynamics, detailing various strategies employed to fabricate diverse 0-3D CuSe NSs (i.e. quantum dots, nanowires, nanoplates, nanospheres, nanoflowers, etc.), and examining their corresponding impact on the material’s optoelectronic properties. In the following step, CuSe NSs have been reviewed from fundamentals to their multifunctional solar energy conversion applications, including environmental photocatalysis and photovoltaic cells. Extending beyond solar energy, the promising potential of CuSe NSs in energy storage systems (supercapacitors, batteries, etc.), as well as photodynamic and photothermal applications in cancer therapy, and other biomedical applications, showcasing their versatility and wide-ranging applicability. Finally, with a consolidated overview of the findings, the current challenges and future perspectives for harnessing the full potential of CuSe NSs in various applications as advanced multifunctional energy materials have been discussed. Eventually, potential future industrial applications have been discussed followed by summary and outlook.