Synthesis and structure of [(Ph 3 P) 2 Cu(μ-SeCH 2 Ph) 2 In(SeCH 2 Ph) 2 ] as a single-source precursor for the preparation of CuInSe 2 nano-materials.

The reaction of freshly prepared Na[In(SeCH 2 C 6 H 5 ) 4 ] with the mixture of CuCl and triphenylphosphine in methanol yielded [(PPh 3 ) 2 CuIn(SeCH 2 C 6 H 5 ) 4 ]. The X-ray structure of the complex revealed the monomeric form of [(Ph 3 P) 2 Cu(μ-SeCH 2 Ph) 2 In(SeCH 2 Ph) 2 ] consisting of tetrahedral Cu(i) and In(iii) centers, bridged by two benzyl selenolate ligands. The complex on pyrolysis in a furnace or in oleylamine/HDA yielded tetragonal CuInSe 2 . The morphology and composition of nanostructures were investigated by pXRD, SEM, TEM and EDX analysis. The band gap of the CuInSe 2 nanostructures, obtained from pyrolysis in HDA and OA has been deduced from DRS as 1.85 and 1.86 eV, respectively.