Synthesis of Bi 2Se 3 thermoelectric nanosheets and nanotubes through hydrothermal co-reduction method

Abstract

Bi 2Se 3 nanosheets and nanotubes were prepared by a hydrothermal co-reduction method at 150, 180, 200, and 210 °C. Bi 2Se 3 nanosheets, nanobelts and nanotubes were obtained. The Bi 2Se 3 nanoflakes are 50–500 nm in width and 2–5 nm in thickness. The Bi 2Se 3 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 Å and c = 27.4615 Å. A possible formation and crystal growth mechanism of Bi 2Se 3 nanostructures is proposed.