SYNTHESIS OF POLYCRYSTALLINE BISMUTH TELLURIDE BY A METAL-ORGANO COMPLEX METHOD

The synthesis of polycrystalline bismuth telluride, Bi2Te3, by a metal -organo complex method commonly used for oxide materials is described. The process involves complexation of bismuth and tellurium species in aqueous tartaric acid followed by polyesterification with ethylene gl ycol. Controlled pyrolysis of the resultant mass gives a mixture of bi smuth telluride and bismuth/tellurium oxides which are subsequently co nverted to a fine bismuth telluride powder through hydrogen reduction. Product identification as Bi2Te3 is supported by elemental analysis a nd X-ray diffraction data.