METHODS FOR SYNTHESIS OF SEMICONDUCTOR NANOCRYSTALS AND THERMOELECTRIC COMPOSITIONS

摘要

The present invention provides methods for synthesis of IV-VI nanostructures, and thermoelectric compositions formed of such structures. In one aspect, the method includes forming a solution of a Group IV reagent, a Group VI reagent and a surfactant. A reducing agent can be added to the solution, and the resultant solution can be maintained at an elevated temperature, e.g., in a range of about 20 0C to about 360 °C, for a duration sufficient for generating nanoparticles as binary alloys of the IV-VI elements.