Dark-blue to black crystalline solid. Soluble in sulfuric acid (sulfur dioxide evolved); also in potassium cyanide solution.
Copper(I) selenide is used as intermediate in chemical research. It is a thermoelectric material used in a number of industrial applications including infrared detection and imaging.
This product has been enhanced for energy efficiency.
Selenium vapor carried in a stream of nitrogen is passed over Cu placed in a porcelain boat. The Se is also in a porcelain boat located ahead of the Cu in the quartz reaction tube. A thermal gradient is obtained by means of two electric heaters which maintain the temperature of the Cu at about 400 °C and that of the Se at about 300°C. A well-crystallized Copper(I) selenide is obtained.
