Molecularly Protected Bismuth Telluride Nanoparticles: Microemulsion Synthesis and Thermoelectric Transport Properties

Abstract

A room-temperature microemulsion synthesis of molecularly capped bismuth telluride nanoparticles with small (average ca. 2.5 nm) diameters is reported (see figure). The use of thioglycolic acid ligands inhibits nanoparticle agglomeration and surface oxidation. Annealing the nanoparticle films to 350 ° C yields a Seebeck coefficient of – 107 μV K–1. The findings are attractive for realizing of high figure of merit thermoelectric materials via nanostructuring control over surface chemistry. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2089/2006/c0495_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.