Synthesis of Bi2Se3 thermoelectric nanosheets and nanotubes through hydrothermal co-reduction method

Bi2Se3 nanosheets and nanotubes were prepared by a hydrothermal co-reduction method at 150, 180, 200, and 210 degreesC. Bi2Se3 nanosheets. nanobelts and nanotubes were obtained. The Bi2Se3 nanoflakes are 50-500 nm in width and 2-5 nm in thickness. The Bi2Se3 nanotubes are 5-10 nm in diameter, 80-120 nm in length, and 1.3 nm in wall thickness. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and electron diffraction were employed to characterize the products. Experimental results showed that the nanosheets and the nanotubes are hexagonal in structure with a = 4.1354 Angstrom and C = 27.4615 Angstrom. A possible formation and crystal growth mechanism of Bi2Se3 nanostructures is proposed. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier Inc.