Bi2Te3-Sb2Te3 Superlattices Grown by Nanoalloying

Abstract

In this work, Bi2Te3-Sb2Te3 superlattices were prepared by the nanoalloying approach. Very thin layers of Bi, Sb, and Te were deposited on cold substrates, rebuilding the crystal structure of V2VI3 compounds. Nanoalloyed super- lattices consisting of alternating Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3 layers were grown with a thickness of 9 nm for the individual layers. The as-grown layers were annealed under different conditions to optimize the thermoelectric parameters. The obtained layers were investigated in their as-grown and annealed states using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electrical measurements. A lower limit of the elemental layer thickness was found to have c-orientation. Pure nanoalloyed Sb2Te3 layers were p-type as expected; however, it was impossible to synthesize p-type Bi2Te3 layers. Hence the Bi2Te3-Sb2Te3 superlattices consisting of alternating n- and p-type layers showed poor thermoelectric properties.