Synthesis of Cu₂Se-Based Materials and Their Application in Energy Conversion and Storage

With environmental pollution and energy shortages becoming increasingly severe, developing efficient energy conversion and storage technologies is crucial. Cu₂Se has garnered significant attention as a thermoelectric material due to its abundant raw materials, low cost, and high thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT). This paper reviews the synthesis methods and application progress of Cu₂Se in the energy field. Regarding synthesis, various methods such as solid-state synthesis, hydrothermal synthesis, and ion exchange can be employed to control its microstructure and properties. In applications, Cu₂Se demonstrates significant potential in thermoelectric conversion by harnessing the Seebeck effect to convert waste heat into electricity. Simultaneously, its high carrier mobility and favorable electrochemical properties make it promising for energy storage systems like sodium-ion batteries and aqueous batteries. Furthermore, this material holds considerable potential in emerging fields such as flexible wearable devices and high-efficiency thermoelectric power generation systems. Future research should continue optimizing its comprehensive properties to advance the practical application of Cu₂Se in energy conversion and storage.