Synthesis and Phase Transformation of IB-VIA Nonstoichiometric Nanocrystalline Tellurides by a HydrothermalReduction Process

A convenient route to IB-VIA nonstoichiometric metal telluride nanocrystallites by a novel hydrothermal reaction of metal salts with tellurium in the presence of N2H4 · H2O was established. The effects of molar ratio, temperature, and time on hydrothermal reactions and nonstoichiometric phases in the products have been investigated. Many interesting phases such as Cu2.86Te2, Cu7Te5, Cu2-xTe, and Ag7Te4 were observed in the products at lower temperature.