Top-down fabrication of nano-scaled Bi2Se0.3Te2.7 associated by electrochemical Li intercalation

Abstract

A convenient top-down method for preparation of Bi₂Se_0.3Te_2.7 crystalline nano-particles has been demonstrated. It contains two steps: (1) lithium was intercalated between the van der Waals bonded quintuple-layers by electrochemical process inside lithium ion batteries with precisely controlled speed and amount; (2) subsequent alcohol exposure of Li_xBi₂Se_0.3Te_2.7 to make the intercalated Li atoms explode like atom-scaled bombs and exfoliate the original micro/macro scaled materials into nano-scaled single crystalline particles with sizes around 10 nm. The intercalation process does not cost external energy, and can be scaled up by amplification of the intercalation devices.