Micropatterns of Ag2Se nanocrystals

Silver selenide (Ag2Se) nanocrystals were synthesized solvothermally using a single source precursor silver selenite (Ag2SeO3) in the presence of dimethyl formamide (DMF) in an autoclave. The effect of time and temperature on the crystalline and morphological behavior of the products was investigated. The interaction of Ag2SeO3 with DMF resulted in the formation of Ag2Se nanoparticles, whereas mixed solvent of DMF and a few aliphatic alcohols (1:1 (v/v), at 165 degreesC for 24 h) yielded novel microstructures. The mixed combination containing methanol-DMF yielded fractal-like morphology, while hollow needle-shaped structures resulted from a ethanol-DMF mixture. Rod shaped structures having riblike morphology were obtained from propanol-DMF mixed solvent.