Novel synthesis of topological insulator based nanostructures (Bi₂Te₃) demonstrating high performance photodetection

The rapid progress in 2D material research has triggered the growth of various quantum nanostructures- nanosheets, nanowires, nanoribbons, nanocrystals and the exotic nature originating through 2D heterostructures has extended the synthesis of hybrid materials beyond the conventional approaches. Here we introduce simple, one step confined thin melting approach to form nanostructures of TI (topological insulator) materials, their hybrid heterostructures with other novel 2D materials and their scalable growth. The substrate and temperature dependent growth is investigated on insulating, superconducting, metallic, semiconducting and ferromagnetic materials. The temperature dependent synthesis enables the growth of single, few quintuples to nanosheets and nanocrystals. The density of nanostructure growth is seen more on fabricated patterns or textured substrates. The fabricated nanostructure based devices show the broadband photodetection from ultraviolet to near infrared and exhibit high photoresponsivity. Ultimately, this unique synthesis process will give easy access to fabricate devices on user friendly substrates, study nanostructures and scalable growth will enable their future technology applications.