Nanopowder Synthesis and Characterization of the Natural Superlattice (Bi2)m(Bi2Te3)n for Prospective Thermoelectric Materials

Author

Brian Washburne, John Carroll UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Spring 2014

First Advisor

Dr. Jeffrey Dyck

Abstract

The goal of this study was to synthesize nanocrystals of bismuth telluride (Bi­₂Te₃) through scalable bottom-up, wet-chemical methods. Rapid nanocrystal growth is accomplished through microwave stimulation of organically dissolved bismuth and tellurium precursors within the time of one minute. Elemental analysis of our product using Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy indicated that our samples have excess Bi. Together with structure analysis using Powder X-ray Diffraction, these compounds were found to have Bi:Te ratios of 2:1.

Recommended Citation

Washburne, Brian, "Nanopowder Synthesis and Characterization of the Natural Superlattice (Bi2)m(Bi2Te3)n for Prospective Thermoelectric Materials" (2014). Senior Honors Projects. 52.
https://collected.jcu.edu/honorspapers/52