Sb2Te3 nanobelts and nanosheets: Hydrothermal synthesis, morphology evolution and thermoelectric properties

Sb2Te3 nanobelts and nanosheets were synthesized by a hydrothermal method using SbCl3 and TeO2 as the antimony and tellurium source, hydrazine hydrate as a reducing reagent, polyvinyl alcohol as a surfactant and water as the solvent. The effects of experimental parameters on the product were investigated. The experiments indicated that the elemental Te formed during the reaction, acting as a reactive and self-sacrificial template for the formation of Sb2Te3 nanobelts. The morphology evolution from Sb2Te3 nanobelts to nanosheets with the prolonging hydrothermal time was observed. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The thermoelectric properties of the tablet samples of Sb2Te3 nanostructured powders with different morphologies prepared by a room-temperature pressurized method were investigated.

Sb2Te3 nanobelts and nanosheets were synthesized by a hydrothermal method, and the morphology evolution from Sb2Te3 nanobelts to nanosheets with the prolonging hydrothermal time was observed.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Hydrothermal synthesis of Sb2Te3 nanobelts and nanosheets is demonstrated.
► The morphology of Sb2Te3 can be adjusted by varying hydrothermal time.
► The morphology evolution of Sb2Te3 from nanobelts to nanosheets is observed.
► High Seebeck coefficients (S) of Sb2Te3 nanobelts and nanosheets are attained.