Telluride-based nanorods and nanosheets: synthesis, evolution and properties

Abstract

We report for the first time the synthesis of single crystalline In₂Te₃ nanosheets. Te nanorods were first produced by controlling the reaction kinetics and then In₂Te₃ nanosheets nucleated at the body of Te nanorods in the presence of organic surfactant. The self-assembly and the certain directional growth process of In₂Te₃ on the body of Te nanorods resulted in an ordered nanostring-cluster which subsequently gave split In₂Te₃ nanosheets. The transformation can be attributed to the developed facets and organic surfactants which can greatly enlarge the lateral dimensions and produce nanosheets. The morphology evolution from nanorods to nanosheets is demonstrated with experimental evidence collected via SEM, TEM and XRD studies. The synthesis of nanorods/nanosheets will supply additional opportunities for the exploration of novel fundamental properties of telluride based chalcogenides materials. Initial hydrogen storage results pave the way for utilizing telluride-based nanostructures for gas storage and gas sensing properties. Also, the photoresponse properties of indium telluride offers good knowledge for the fabrication of nanoscale electronic and optoelectronic devices.