Solvothermal synthesis of bismuth selenide nanotubes

Bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) nanotubes have been synthesized for the first time using dimethyl formamide (DMF) by solvothermal method. Ammonium bismuth citrate (C24H20Bi14O28,6NH3,10H2O), elemental selenium (Se) and DMF when treated solvothermally in an autoclave at 165 °C formed Bi2Se3 nanocrystals of different morphologies. The morphological modifications are found to depend on the duration of heat treatment and the relative proportions of the reactants. Heat treatment for 24 h yields Bi2Se3 nanotubes whereas large needle shaped structures are produced on altering the relative proportions of the reactants during the same period. The as synthesized products were characterized by XRD, EDXA and TEM.