X-ray diffraction (XRD) profile analysis and optical properties of Klockmannite copper selenide nanoparticles synthesized via microwave assisted technique

Abstract

In this study, copper selenide (CuSe) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using the microwave irradiation technique. The effect of the irradiation time on the structural properties of CuSe NPs was investigated. The XRD results confirms the formation of the hexagonal (Klockmannite) structure of CuSe NPs. Different X-ray diffraction profile analysis techniques comprising strain-size plot (SSP), Scherer’s method (S-M), Monshi-Scherer’s method (MSM), Halder-Wagner (H–W) technique, and Williamson-Hall technique (WHM) were employed to examine the effect of irradiation time on the particle size as well as intrinsic strain of CuSe NPs using XRD peak broadening analysis. Uniform deformation model, uniform stress deformation model, as well as uniform energy density deformation model of Williamson-Hall technique were used to calculate the average crystallites size of CuSe NPs. Essential physical variables involving stress and energy density were also computed. Also, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) in addition to atomic force microscopy (AFM) were further used to determine the mean particle size of CuSe NPs depending on varying irradiation time. The obtained results were found to be in agreement and comparable with the results of XRD profile analysis methods. Raman spectroscopy revealed three vibrational bands which are ascribed to the CuSe vibrational modes. Furthermore, the optical characteristics of the synthesized CuSe NPs were also investigated. The result obtained revealed a decrease in the optical bandgap from 2.43 to 2.71 eV with increase in irradiation time. Photoluminescence study revealed two peaks at 530, and 610 nm respectively. Therefore, it can de deduced that inclusion of intrinsic strain play an important role on the estimation of CuSe NPs size and microstrain of CuSe NPs synthezed vi microwave assisted synthesis technique.