Synthesis and Thermoelectric Properties of Bi₂Se₃ Nanostructures

• Main Authors: Huang Jian, Provencio Paula, Kadel K, Kumari Latha, Li WZ
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SpringerOpen 2011-01-01
• Series: Nanoscale Research Letters
• Subjects: Bismuth selenide; Nanoflakes; Solvothermal synthesis; Power factor; Figure of merit
• Online Access: http://www.nanoscalereslett.com/content/6/1/57
• ISSN: 1931-7573; 1556-276X

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Bismuth selenide (Bi₂Se₃) nanostructures were synthesized via solvothermal method. The crystallinity of the as-synthesized sample has been analyzed by X-ray diffraction, which shows the formation of rhombohedral Bi₂Se₃. Electron microscopy examination indicates that the Bi₂Se₃ nanoparticles have hexagonal flake-like shape. The effect of the synthesis temperature on the morphology of the Bi₂Se₃ nanostructures has also been investigated. It is found that the particle size increases with the synthesis temperature. Thermoelectric properties of the Bi₂Se₃ nanostructures were also measured, and the maximum value of dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) of 0.096 was obtained at 523 K.</p>