Preparation and characterization of Bi2Se3 nanowires by electrodeposition

The electrodeposition of Bi 2 Se 3 nanowires on an anodic aluminum oxide template was investigated by cyclic voltammetry in a tartaric acid aqueous solution. The electrochemical behavior of the Bi 2 Se 3 nanowires in the electrolytic solution was also investigated using cyclic voltammetry, and the underpotential deposition mechanism of the Bi 2 Se 3 nanowires was determined. According to the cyclic voltammetric curves, −0.20 V vs. SCE (saturated calomel electrode) was chosen as the deposition potential of the Bi 2 Se 3 nanowires. The ratio of Bi to Se is nearly 2:3, verified by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and with the addition of surfactant. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, selected-area electron diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy indicate that annealing can improve the crystallinity and chemical composition of Bi 2 Se 3 nanowires. Surfactant can also improve the surface morphology and composition of the Bi 2 Se 3 nanowires.