Synthesis of Bi2Se3 nanosheets by microwave heating using an ionic liquid

Bi2Se3 nanosheets with thicknesses of 50-100 nm have been successfully synthesized by a simple microwave heating method using selenium powder, Bi(NO3)(3)center dot 5H(2)O, HNO3 aqueous solution, ethylenediamine or ethylene glycol, and an ionic liquid 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate. The effects of experimental parameters on the formation of the products were investigated. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy.