A simple route to Bi2Se3 and Bi2Te3 nanocrystals

•HDA and OA capped Bi2Se3 and Bi2Te3 nanoparticles have been synthesized by a solution based method.•The reaction temperature determined whether the Bi2Se3 were spherical of faceted in shape.•Spherical Bi2Te3 nanocrystals were obtained at all temperatures.

Monodisperse nanocrystals of Bi2Se3 and Bi2Te3 capped with alkylamines have been synthesized via facile solution based method. The method involves reduction of selenium or tellurium using sodium borohydride, followed by thermolysis in an alkylamine at high temperature. Spherical shaped Bi2Se3 nanocrystals were obtained at 190 °C, whereas the reaction at 270 °C, yielded faceted nanocrystals. Similarly, spherical Bi2Te3 nanocrystals were obtained at all temperatures with hexadecylamine and oleylamine capping agents.