Solvation Structures At The Bi2Te3/Ionic Liquid Interface

Bismuth telluride is a commonly-used thermoelectric material. In an effort to the increase its thermoelectric power (i.e., Seebeck coefficient), ionic liquids can be used to intercalate and exfoliate the bismuth telluride into two-dimensional nanosheets. The interaction parameter between bismuth telluride and the ionic liquid is important to determine a liquid that can intercalate easily into the Van der Waals gaps of bismuth telluride. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to characterize the crystal faces and to calculate intercalated Van der Waals gaps. This interaction can then be used to determine suitable ionic liquid for bismuth telluride exfoliation.