From Graphene to Bismuth Telluride: Mechanical Exfoliation of Quasi-2D Crystals for Applications in Thermoelectrics and Topological Insulators

Details From Graphene to Bismuth Telluride: Mechanical Exfoliation of Quasi-2D Crystals for Applications in Thermoelectrics and Topological Insulators From Graphene to Bismuth Telluride: Mechanical Exfoliation of Quasi-2D Crystals for Applications in Thermoelectrics and Topological Insulators

2010-03-06

arxiv.org/abs/1003.1398v1

Nano Lett., 10, 1209 (2010)

Physics

Condensed Matter

Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics

24 pages, 6 figures

Scientific paper

Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) and its alloys are the best bulk thermoelectric materials known today. The stacked quasi-two-dimensional (2D) layers of Bi2Te3 were also identified as topological insulators. In this paper we describe a method for graphene-inspired exfoliation of crystalline bismuth telluride films with a thickness of a few atoms. The atomically thin films were suspended across trenches in Si/SiO2 substrates, and subjected to detail characterization. The presence of the van der Waals gaps allowed us to disassemble Bi2Te3 crystal into its quintuple building blocks - five mono-atomic sheets consisting of Te(1)-Bi-Te(2)-Bi-Te(1). By altering the thickness and sequence of atomic planes we were able to create designer non-stoichiometric quasi-2D crystalline films, change their composition and doping, as well as other properties. The exfoliated quintuples and ultra-thin films have low thermal conductivity, high electrical conductivity and enhanced thermoelectric properties. The obtained results pave the way for producing stacks of crystalline bismuth telluride quantum wells with the strong spatial confinement of charge carriers and acoustic phonons for thermoelectric devices. The developed technology for producing free-standing quasi-2D layers of Te(1)-Bi-Te(2)-Bi-Te(1) creates an impetus for investigation of the topological insulators and their possible practical applications.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

From Graphene to Bismuth Telluride: Mechanical Exfoliation of Quasi-2D Crystals for Applications in Thermoelectrics and Topological Insulators does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with From Graphene to Bismuth Telluride: Mechanical Exfoliation of Quasi-2D Crystals for Applications in Thermoelectrics and Topological Insulators, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and From Graphene to Bismuth Telluride: Mechanical Exfoliation of Quasi-2D Crystals for Applications in Thermoelectrics and Topological Insulators will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-270295