Synthesis of M-doped (M = Ag, Cu, In) Bi2Te3 nanoplates via a solvothermal method and cation exchange reaction

Abstract

Highly quality 2D Bi₂Te₃ nanoplates are obtained via solvothermal synthesis and cations with different chemical valences (Ag⁺/Cu²⁺/In³⁺) are doped into Bi₂Te₃ by a cation exchange reaction in ethanol solution at room temperature. By combining precise XRD, SEM, HRTEM and XPS characterization, the cations are shown to be doped into the lattice of Bi₂Te₃ bringing lattice defects and distortion, and cation-doping caused a change in chemical state but without obvious changes in the hexagonal morphology. This research provides a possible general strategy for obtaining cation-doped bismuth telluride.