Self-assembly of nanoparticles to form tree-like tellurium nanostructures using novel starting reagents

A new rapid and single step thermal method was successfully developed to synthesize tree-like tellurium (Te) nanostructures at mild condition. Te nanostructures were synthesized using tellurium tetrachloride (TeCl4) as a Te precursor and thioglycolic acid (TGA) as reducing and caping agent. No secondary chemical reducing agent is required to proceed and complete the reaction. A preliminary study on the possibility of developing a solar cell having the fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)/TiO2/Te/Pt FTO structure was also investigated to produce an inexpensive solar cell by Te nanostructures. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.