Work

Perfect quintuple layer Bi2Te3 nanowires: Growth and thermoelectric properties

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: Bi2Te3 nanowires are promising candidates for thermoelectric applications. Vapor-liquid-solid growth of these nanowires is straightforward, but the traditional Au-catalyzed method is expected to lead to Au contamination and subsequently crystal defects. Here, we present a comparison of the Au-catalyzed growth method with an alternative method using TiO2. We observe that the latter approach results in perfect quintuple layer nanowires, whilst using Au leads to mixed quintuple and septuple layer structures. Despite these differences, we surprisingly find only a negligible effect on their thermoelectric properties, namely conductivity and Seebeck coefficient. This result is relevant for the further optimization and engineering of thermoelectric nanomaterials for device applications.

Source: APL Materials

DOI: 10.1063/1.4986524

Authors: P. Schönherr, D. Kojda, V. Srot, S. F. Fischer, P. A. van Aken, T. Hesjedal

Institutions: University of Oxford, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,450