Solvothermal syntheses of β-Ag2Se crystals with novel morphologies

Crystalline beta-Ag2Se with treelike, plumelike, pebblelike, rodlike, tubular, polyhedral, and spherical morphologies have been prepared by the solvothermal reaction of silver carbonate and selenium at low temperature (190degreesC) and characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction pattern, and scanning electron microscopy. The morphologies and sizes of the products are affected not only by the kind of solvents but also by the reactant concentrations and reaction time and can be conveniently obtained under controlled conditions. The influences of the solvents, the reactant concentrations and reaction time on the shapes and sizes of crystalline Ag2Se are discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.