Green synthesis and characterization of se nanoparticles and nanorods

Selenium nanoparticles and nanorods were successfully prepared in a mixed solvent of ethylene glycol and water at a relatively low temperature of 85°C. No other surfactant or template was employed, and glucose was used as a green and mild reducing reagent in the current synthesis. The volume ratio of ethylene glycol to water played an important role for controlling the shapes of selenium products. The obtained selenium samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman spectra, and UV-vis absorption spectra. The evolution process from amorphous selenium to a trigonal phase complied with a “solid-solution-solid” formation mechanism. HRTEM and SAED results indicate that the trigonal selenium nanorods grow along the [001] direction. This method might provide an environmentally-friendly and low cost route for the synthesis of other related nanomaterials with controlled morphologies.