The high-yield growth of Bi2Se3 nanostructures via facile physical vapor deposition

The growth of Bi2Se3 nanostructures by physical vapor deposition in presence or absence of Au catalysts on Si and mica substrates is investigated. In the presence of Au nanodroplets on substrate surfaces, the growth of Bi2Se3 nanostructures in diverse crystallographic orientations is initiated via a catalyst-assisted process at low source flux condition. At elevated flux supply, nearly free-standing vapor-solid growth dominates and an array consisting of dense inclined standing nanoribbons are achieved. The morphologies of the obtained Bi2Se3 nanoribbons can be easily manipulated by changing growth temperature.