Abstract

Solvothermal synthesis and optimization of pure Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) hexagonal nanoplatelets was carried out from Bismuth Oxide (Bi2O3) and Tellurium dioxide (TeO2). XRD measurements revealed a sensitive change in crystallization behaviour in correlation with variation in Te/Bi stoichiometry identified through the exchange in intensities between (10 (10) over bar) and (110) peaks. Further, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDAX) analysis revealed the variation in Te/Bi ratio with respect to autoclave temperature. Field emission scanning electron Microscope (FESEM) and the high resolution transmission electron Microscope (HRTEM) studies show the complete growth of hexagonal nanoplatelets at 200 degrees C. Confocal Micro-Raman measurements revealed the occurrence of symmetry breaking in the synthesized hexagonal nanoplatelets. The electrical conductivity and the activation energy were recorded as 6.01x10(-3) S/m and 0.042 eV respectively. Highest maximum absolute value of Seebeck coefficient of -355 mu V/K was obtained for the hexagonal nanoplatelets.