Solution route to SexTe1−x/Te/SexTe1−x heterojunction nanorods

A simple, low-temperature, catalyst-free solution-based approach was developed to obtain heterostructures of group VI semiconductors. The formation of bone-like crystalline nanorods of SexTe1−x/Te/SexTe1−x heterojunctions with lengths up to 1.5 μm were achieved by controlling pH and temperature of aqueous reaction media, without the participation of catalyst. Samples as-prepared were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HREM). Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis was also performed to identify the composition distribution of a single heterojunction. It is reasonable to expect that the incorporation of trigonal Te nanorods with phase-separated trigonal SexTe1−x alloys may intrigue investigating in the possible changes in its energy band structure and interface states physics together with consequent new electricity, thermoelectric, and transport behaviors.