A simple hydrothermal method for the growth of Bi2Se3 nanorods

Bi2Se3 nanorods have been synthesized through a simple hydrothermal reduction approach. The nanorods formed were approximate to 10 nm in diameter and 100-200 nm in length. XRD characterization suggested that the product consisted of the hexagonal phase of pure Bi2Se3. EDX and XPS studies further confirmed the composition and purity of the product. A possible mechanism for the reaction is proposed, where Bi2Se3 microsheets are presumed to be the intermediate for the formation of the nanorods. The effect of solvent on the morphology of the final product is discussed, where, in the presence of aprotic solvent DMF, nanoparticle formation is observed. A bandgap of 2.25 eV is observed from the UV-visible absorption spectra.