Mechanochemical syntheses of bismuth selenides

Bi+Se mixtures in the molar ratios of 2:3, 1:1, and 2:1, as well as a Bi+Sb+Se mixture in the molar ratio of 1:1:3 were treated in a planetary ball mill. The compounds Bi2Se3, BiSe, and BiSbSe3 were formed after short milling periods. The Bi+Se mixture in the molar ratio of 2:1 was less reactive, after 60 min besides the X-ray reflections of Bi, only few weak lines of an unidentified product were observed.