Colloidal synthesis of 1-D van der Waals material Nb2Se9: study of synergism of coordinating agent in a co-solvent system

Abstract

Low-dimensional Nb₂Se₉ nanocrystals were synthesised through a simple one-pot colloidal synthesis with C18 organic solvents (octadecane, oleylalcohol, octadecanethiol, octadecene (ODE), and oleylamine (OLA)) of varied terminal functional groups. The solvent with high reducing power facilitated the nucleation of the nanoparticle, lowering threshold concentration and broadening the concentration spectrum. As a solvent, reducing agent, and capping agent, ODE functions as a primary factor in the synthesis of high-quality Nb₂Se₉ nanorods. We further discuss the unique adhesion role of ODE under the co-solvent system and demonstrate morphology control through synergism between ODE and OLA, verified by the electrochemical measurements.