Solvothermal synthesis, stirring-assisted assembly and photoelectric performance of Te nanowires

Abstract

Tellurium nanowires (NWs) are attractive one-dimensional materials for many applications, yet most synthesis processes require hazardous chemical reducing agents and extreme operating conditions. Here we described a solvothermal synthesis of Te NWs using a non-toxic reducing agent, ascorbic acid. Then the Te NWs were assembled into a well-aligned film through a stirring-assisted oil–water–air interface assembly method and a Te NWs photodetector was fabricated which is sensitive to infrared radiation. The photodetector based on the well-aligned Te NWs film had a series of more excellent photoelectric properties than that based on those being randomly oriented. For example, the photoresponsivity of the former is 10³ times larger, and the response time is 1.15 × 10³ times shorter, than those of the latter.