Synthesis Method for Controlling Antimony Selenide Nanostructure Shapes

Abstract

Methods are provided for controlling the shape of antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) synthesized nanostructures. The method dissolves an antimony (III) salt in a first amount of carboxylic acid, forming an antimony precursor. In one aspect, antimony (III) chloride is dissolved in oleic acid. Separately, selenourea is dissolved in oleylamine, forming a selenium precursor. The antimony precursor is combined with the selenium precursor to form a first solution and cause a reaction. The reaction is quenched with a solvent having a low boiling point. In response to quenching the reaction in the first solution, antimony selenide nanorods are formed, having a length in the range of 150-200 nanometers (nm) and a diameter in the range of 20 to 30 nm. Related methods can be used to create, shorter nanorods, nanocrystals, and hollow nanospheres.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention generally relates to methods of chemical synthesis and, more particularly, to methods for synthesizing antimony selenide nanostructures in a variety of shapes.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] In the current development of modern photovoltaics there is a significant demand for new materials that can potentially act as a substitute for conventional silicon. Such research and development has given rise to the cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar cells, based on thin films technology. Moreover, hybrid organic / inorganic perovskite materials have recently emerged as sensitized architectures as a result of the constant search and evaluation of new materials as absorbers in solar cells.

[0005] Among the materials offering promise in the fabrication of solar cells, antimony—based chalcogenides represent a special subgroup. In comparison to many other materials, antimon...

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