Synthesis of Hexagonal Sb₂Te₃ Nanoplates by Thermal Decomposition of the Single-Source Precursor (Et₂Sb)₂Te.

Abstract

The size-selective synthesis of hexagonal Sb2Te3 nanoplates by thermal decomposition of the single-source precursor bis(diethylstibino)telluride (Et2Sb)2Te is described for the first time. The role of the thermolysis temperature and the concentration of the capping agent (PVP*) on the growth of the nanoplates was investigated. The thermal properties of (Et2Sb)2Te were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the resulting Sb2Te3 nanoplates were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, and SAED. Moreover, electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity of the nanoplates were determined, clearly proving the enhanced thermoelectric properties of nanosized antimony telluride.