Large-ScaleSynthesisofNovelThree-DimensionalTeDendrites.docVIP

Large-Scale Synthesis of Novel Te 3D Dendritic Superstructures via a Biphasic Solvothermal Interface Reaction Route Nano-materials Chemistry Key Laboratory, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325027, P. R. China corresponding author: shunwang@wzu.edu.cn, fax 86-577ABSTRACT Highly uniform Te 3D dendritic superstructures were successfully prepared in large quantities using a biphasic solvothermal interface reaction route. Diethyldithiocarbamato tellurium (IV) (TDEC) used as Te source and 2, 2’-dithiodibenzoic acid (DSTA) used as reducing agent were dissolved in two immiscible solvents chloroform and NH4Cl-NH3 buffer solution (pH=10) respectively. The crystal structure and morphological structures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), and selected area electronic diffraction (SAED). The individual Te dendrite is composed of a long central trunk with secondary branches, which preferentially grew in a parallel direction with a definite angle to the trunk. Several factors, including the reaction temperature, volume ratio of two solvents, and pH value were identified to be important and investigated in detail. The possible growth process is proposed by arresting the growth at a series of intermediate morphology stages during the shape evolution of Te 3D dendritic superstructures based on SEM observations. The results implied that the formation of 3D hierarchical structures was controlled by the kinetic conditions. 1. Introduction Inorganic micro/nanocrystals have exhibited many interesting novel size- and shape-dependent properties.[1-2] In the past few decades, there has been an increasing number of reports on the synthesis of 1-3D inorganic crystals, such as rods,[3] wires,[4] plates,[5] tubules,[6] dendrites,[7] and cubes.[8] 2D or 3D structures are more attractive than 1D rods or wires because they can not only transport holes or electrons more effectively via the interconnecte