General sonochemical method far the preparation of nanophasic selenides: Synthesis of ZnSe nanoparticles

ZnSe nanoparticles of about 3 nm in size have been prepared by the sonochem ical irradiation of an aqueous solution of selenourea and zinc acetate unde r argon. The ZnSe nanoparticles were characterized using techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, absorption spectrosco py, differential scanning calorimetry, transmission and diffuse reflection spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray a nalysis. The mechanism of the sonochemical irradiation is discussed. This s onochemical method was found to he a general method for the preparation of other selenides as well.