A Facile One-Pot Recipe for Topological Insulator Bi2Se3 and Thermoelectric Properties

Topological materials from heavy p-block metal chalcogenides having layered structures and anisotropic bonding are of immense importance for thermoelectrics. 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.