Solvothermal synthesis to NiE2 (E = Se, Te) nanorods at low temperature

NiE₂ (E = Se, Te) nanorods were directly synthesized through the reaction of NiCl₂ and selenium or tellurium in an autoclave at 160 ∼ 180°C for 10 ∼ 15 h, using ethylenediamine as a solvent. X-ray powder diffraction patterns and transmission electron microscope images show that the products are cubic NiSe₂ and hexagonal NiTe₂ phase, respectively, in the form of well-crystallized nanorods. A possible mechanism of the formation of NiE₂ nanorods in the solvothermal process is proposed. The solvent ethylenediamine plays an important role in the formation of NiE₂ nanorods.