Time-dependent evolution process of Sb₂Te₃ from nanoplates to nanorods and their Raman scattering properties

High-quality Sb₂Te₃ nanostructures are synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. The morphologies of the nanostructures change from hexagonal nanoplates to nanorods with the extension of growth time. Secondary nucleation is the dominant factor responsible for the change of the morphologies. Structural analyses indicate that all the obtained nanostructures are well crystallized. IR-active phonons are mainly observed in the Raman spectra of the nanoplates and nanorods. The slight deviations are observed in the Raman modes between the nanoplates and nanorods, which could originate from confinement effect in the nanostructures.