Highly productive solvothermal synthesis of hexagonal Sb_2Te_3 fine-platelets using solution with high precursor concentration and added glucose

摘要

High-purity hexagonal Sb2Te3 fine-platelets were successfully synthesized with high efficiency via a solvothermal route using a high precursor concentration with the assistance of glucose. The solvothermal synthesis was carried out at 180 degrees C for 16 h while the solution was stirred at 500 rpm. To clarify the role of the chemical compounds, we replaced glucose in the precursor solution with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). Hexagonal Sb2Te3 platelets with a size of 3-6 mu m and approximate thickness of 0.25 mu m were obtained when an optimal amount of glucose (0.8 g) was used, and the production efficiency reached 90%. In contrast, the solvothermal synthesis route using various amounts of PVP produced mainly Te rods, and the production efficiency was as low as 40%. A possible reason for the successful growth of hexagonal Sb2Te3 platelets via glucose-assisted solvothermal synthesis was the double role of glucose as a reducing catalyst as well as a surfactant. (C) 2019 The Japan Society of Applied Physics