We report a simple and quick route for the preparation of high-quality, nearly monodisperse Bi2Te3, Sb2Te3, and BixSb2-xTe3 nanocrystallites. The reactions of bismuth acetate or antimony acetate with Te in oleic acid result in pure phase of Bi2Te3 or Sb2Te3 nanoparticles, respectively. Also, ternary BixSb2-xTe3 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using the same method. The size and morphology of the nanoparticles were controlled by varying the stabilizing agents. The as-prepared nanoparticles are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and high-resolution transmission electron microscope using an energy dispersive spectroscopy.

High quality, nearly monodisperse nanocrystallites of the title compounds are prepared from an oleic acid solution of Bi(OAc)3 or/and Sb(OAc)3, and a solution of Te in trioctylphosphine/1‐dodecanethiol (160 °C, 2 h).