Ternary semiconducting CuFeSe2 nanocrystals of a particular shape and size were successfully synthesized using a cost-effective and simple one-pot chemical route. X-ray powder diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy results indicated that the as-synthesized CuFeSe2 comprised cuboid nanoparticles with dimensions of 50-150 nm as well as a tetragonal phase. Elemental analysis yielded an atomic ratio of Cu:Fe:Se of 1:1.06:2.17. The synthesis temperature and the solvent octadecylamine were significant in determining the structural phases and morphologies of the final products. The optimal condition for synthesizing the tetragonal CuFeSe2 phase with cuboid nanoparticles was a reaction temperature of 200 degrees C for 1 h in octadecylamine solvent. A possible mechanism of the formation of ternary CuFeSe2 nanoparticles with controllable shapes is discussed. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.