Solvothermal synthesis of Bi2Te3 nanotubes by the interdiffusion of Bi and Te metals

Bi2Te3 nanotubes with a one-dimensional structure have been synthesized by a solvothermal method using Te nanowires and Bi metals formed by the liquid phase reduction of Bi3+. The alloying between Bi and Te was formed by the diffusion process through an interface of two joined metals. The void formed in the diffusion process induced the formation of binary-nanotubes from the single-component nanowires. The microstructures of the Te nanowires, such as its particle morphology and crystal density, were a function of the temperature and had considerable influence on the alloying into Bi2Te3 nanotubes. When the reduction rate from Bi3+ to Bi is constant, the alloying between Bi and Te metals was affected by the rate of diffusion of the Te atoms. The aggregation of the Te nanowires and diffusion resistance caused by the cross packed crystal structure of the Te nanowires disrupted migration of Te atoms from the inside of the Te nanowire.