Large-area two-dimensional bismuth selenide crystals synthesized by solution-based control of the nucleation environment

Two-dimensional (2D) Bi2Se3 is one of the most studied nanomaterials in recent years because of its fascinating electronic properties. However, previous synthesis methods, especially solution-based methods, were not capable of growing laterally large 2D Bi2Se3 crystals (mostly up to a few micrometers), and thus its real application and in-depth study was practically impossible. In this communication, we report a simple, reliable two-step method to synthesize large (20-50 μm in the lateral diameter and 10-15 nm in the thickness) disks of Bi2Se3 in the presence of ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and chloride ion, where EDTA acts as a complexing agent with bismuth(iii). Depending on the growth conditions, we obtained 2D Bi2Se3 crystals having either a flat or spiral surface. We have thoroughly characterized the morphology, crystal structures, and electrical properties of these new disks, and we also discussed a possible growth mechanism based on the control over the surface chemistry and the nucleation stage. © The Royal Society of Chemistry2