Synthesis of Bi₂Te₃ Urchin-like Nanorods by a Microwave–Solvothermal Method

Abstract

Nanocrystalline Bi₂Te₃ (nanospheres with diameters of 50–500 nm, urchin-like nanorods with diameters ranging from 5 to 15 nm and lengths ranging from 40 to 100 nm) has been successfully synthesized by a microwave–solvothermal method using TeO₂, Bi(NO₃)₃·5H₂O, and HNO₃ in a solvent of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-400). Compared with other reaction systems, less reagents and reductant-free conditions were important factors to simplify the reaction process.