1-dodecanthiol-assisted aqueous synthesis and characterization of Bi2Te3 nanotubes

This article reports a novel synthetic methodology for preparing Bi2Te3 nanotubes as well tailoring their size and aspect ratio, which provides strong potential interest in the field of thermoelectrics. were synthesized via 1-dodecanethiol (DDT) assisted aqueous two-steps synthesis. One its main advantages is to be easily scalable because it carried under mild experimental conditions. The complexation capping ligand DDT bismuth yields layered structural complexes Bi(DDT)3, may act soft templates promoting growth nanotubes. products characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive analysis (EDX), Transmission (TEM) High-Resolution (HRTEM). Microstructure investigations powders show that are 200–500 nm long with an average diameter 50–100 nm. HR-TEM selected area electron diffraction (SAED) results reveal presence 20–30 nanometers crystallized nanodomains support rolling up mechanism (a, b) planes. Using sodium dodecylbenzene-sulfonate (SDBS), additional structuring agent, lowers yield tubes synthesis increases heterogeneity distribution. However, increased amount SDBS very (up 20μm) have been obtained. As conclusion, using allows obtaining conditions according procedure. Moreover, first time addition another shape directing agent such surfactant shown promising way tune dimensions ratio these nanotubes, consequence tailor electronic properties, since longest hollow ever