Conversion of Hexagonal Sb2Te3 Nanoplates into Nanorings Driven by Growth Temperature

We describe a novel route for the conversion of hexagonal Sb2Te3 nanoplates into nanorings driven by growth temperature in a simple solvothermal process. The transmission electron microscopy was employed to investigate systemically the morphology, size, crystallinity, and microstructure of the as-prepared products. The experiments indicated that the growth temperature had a great effect on the morphology of antimony telluride nanostructures. When the experiments were conducted at 200 degrees C, the hexagonal antimony telluride nanoplates were obtained. However, if the experiments were carried out at higher temperature of 230 degrees C, the hexagonal antimony telluride nanorings were achieved by dissolution of the inner part with a higher density of defects of the hexagonal nanoplates for the first time. A possible formation mechanism was proposed on the basis of experimental results and analysis. This work may open a new rational route for the synthesis of the hexagonal antimony telluride nanorings, which may have scientific and technological applications in various functional devices.