Microwave-enhanced synthesis of Cu3Se2 nanoplates and assembly of photovoltaic CdTe-Cu3Se2 clusters

High-quality Cu3Se2 nanoplates were synthesized in a large scale through microwave-enhanced reaction between selenium and copper(I) oleate. The nanoplates are approximately round with thickness of 17 nm and the diameter in the range of 700 similar to 1000 nm. The distinct shape of the nanoplates provides an ideal site for combining functional units, and as an example, carboxyl-terminated CdTe quantum dots were adsorbed onto Cu3Se2 nanoplates to form Cu3Se2-CdTe nanocluster by the chemical linkage of carboxyl to Cu. The fabricated nanoclusters exhibit an enhanced photovoltaic property (i.e., large photocurrent and short response time). Furthermore, this work provides a rational method to the design and fabrication of quantum dots decorated semiconductor nanocomposites.