A facile one-pot recipe for topological insulator Bi2Se3 with thermoelectric properties†

Topological materials from heavy p-block metal chalcogenides with layered structures and anisotropic bonding are of immense importance for thermoelectrics. The synthesis of such materials with simple chemical routes is of high significance. Here, we present a low-temperature, facile, one-pot, and cost-effective synthesis of topological insulator Bi₂Se₃ nanosheets. The material demonstrates excellent electrical transport and low thermal conductivity, leading to a peak thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of ∼0.41 at 480 K. Additionally, the synthesis of Bi₂S₃ nanoparticles under ambient conditions suggests the versatility of the method.