Synthesis of tunable tellurium nanoparticles

Tellurium is a chalcogenide element, essential, in the development of renewable energy solutions. However, substantial problems remain to synthesize zero-dimensional tellurium nanostructures in a facile and environmentally friendly way. This communication reports the first successful synthesis of pure tellurium nanoparticles by laser ablation in liquids. Two solvents were used i.e. de-ionized water and acetone. The effect of wavelength on the size and crystallinity of the produced nanoparticles has been investigated. The thermal stability and the size-dependent energy bandgap has also been predicted using nano-thermodynamics. Finally, the most stable colloidal solution as well as the smallest size distribution was obtained in acetone. (letter)