Role of Nanoelectromechanical Switching in the Operation of Nanostructured Bi₂Se₃ Interlayers between Conductive Electrodes

Abstract

We demonstrate a simple low-cost method of preparation of layered devices for opto- and thermoelectric applications. The devices consist of a functional Bi2Se3 layer of randomly oriented nanoplates and flexible nanobelts enclosed between two flat indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. The number of functional interconnections between the ITO electrodes and correspondingly the efficiency of the device can be increased by gradual nanoelectromechanical (NEM) switching of flexible individual Bi2Se3 nanobelts in the circuit. NEM switching is achieved through applying an external voltage to the device. For the first time, we investigate in situ NEM switching and breakdown parameters of Bi2Se3 nanobelts, visualize the processes occurring in the device under the influence of applied external voltage, and establish the limitations to the possible operational conditions.

Vapor–solid synthesis and enhanced thermoelectric properties of non-planar bismuth selenide nanoplates on graphene substrate

“…4a, b) illustrate the atomic structure of the nanoplates. The inner areas of the nanoplates are single-crystalline, while the edges of the nanoplates/nanoplate terraces are covered with amorphous native oxide layer, which is a result of rapid Bi 2 Se 3 oxidation under ambient conditions [18,19,29].…”

“…To fabricate layered device for electric and thermoelectric measurements, the graphene substrate with synthesized bismuth selenide continuous coating was brought in mechanical contact with top graphene electrode, supported by another quartz microscope slide [18]. Thus, the Bi 2 Se 3 nanostructures were located between the graphene monolayers serving as electrodes (Fig.…”

“…However, despite the demonstrated deposition of Bi 2 Se 3 coatings consisting of randomly oriented nanostructures on variety of substrates as glass, quartz, and indium-tin-oxide (ITO) glass [17][18][19], the growth of non-planar nanoplates on the graphene still remains a challenging task due to mentioned above very small mismatch between the lattice constants of bismuth selenide and graphene, promoting epitaxial growth of the nanoplates. To our knowledge, there are no reports on growth of non-planar bismuth selenide or telluride nanoplates on the graphene substrates.…”

Nanomechanics of individual aerographite tetrapods

“…The bending experiments were done using in situ methods in a Hitachi SEM S-4800. For manipulation of the free-standing tetrapods a customized piezo-driven SmarAct 13D nanomanipulation system454647 was used. To measure their mechanical properties, soft AFM cantilevers BL-RC-150VB from Olympus (spring constant k= 2.9–50 pN nm −1 ) were utilized.…”

Review: Electrostatically actuated nanobeam-based nanoelectromechanical switches – materials solutions and operational conditions

“…This approach is favourable for fundamental research on specific parts and simulation of processes in a NEM switch, where the assembly of the whole device is not required. Real-time visualization helps to evaluate the contact area [ 8 , 10 – 11 54 ], observe the electrical breakdown mechanism for a single nanostructure [ 55 – 58 ], and investigate the dynamic processes occurring in the switch nanocontact [ 54 ].…”