Selective synthesis of Bi2Se3 nanostructures by solvothermal reaction

Bi2Se3 nanobelts, nanoflakes and sheets embedded nanotubes were prepared via solvothermal process with different solvents. The reaction conditions influencing the synthesis of Bi2Se3 nanostructures such as solvents, and reaction temperatures were studied and optimized. Results indicated that the mixed solvent composed of triethanolamine and ethanol (TEA-EtOH) or triethanolamine and distilled water (TEA-H2O) can decrease the threshold temperature (TT) of Bi2Se3. With the solvents TEA-EtOH and TEA-H2O, we originally accomplished the shape-controlled synthesis of Bi2Se3 nanocrystals by controlling reaction temperature. Based on the viewpoint of crystallography about Bi2Se3, the possible growth mechanisms of Bi2Se3 nanostructures were discussed. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.