A novel solution-phase synthetic route for obtaining hexagonal nanoplatelets of copper selenide is presented. Chemical reaction involved in the synthesis is the reduction of copper selenite with hydrazine hydrate. The reaction is performed in various solvents and in the presence of different capping agents. The structure, composition and properties of the nanomaterials obtained were studied with various techniques. The reduction reaction carried out in ethylene glycol even in the absence of any capping agents gave the best results. The relatively low temperature of reaction, usage of single precursor and the surfactant-free growth of nanomaterials make this synthetic route a promising one in perspectives of material science. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.