Optimization of bismuth telluride nanoparticles synthesized via spark ablation

Abstract This study explores the synthesis of Bismuth Telluride nanoparticles on silicon wafers via spark ablation using metal targets, avoiding toxic or costly precursors. Conducted at room temperature with a direct current arc and an inert gas atmosphere, the process prevents oxidation. The influence of voltage (0.5 kV, 1.0 kV, 1.5 kV), current (3 mA, 6 mA, 10 mA), and gas flow on particle size and distribution was investigated. Optimal conditions were achieved at a gas flow rate of $$2.5\,\hbox {L min}^{-1}$$ <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mml:mrow> <mml:mn>2.5</mml:mn> <mml:mspace/> <mml:mtext>L</mml:mtext> <mml:mspace/> <mml:msup> <mml:mtext>min</mml:mtext> <mml:mrow> <mml:mo>-</mml:mo> <mml:mn>1</mml:mn> </mml:mrow> </mml:msup> </mml:mrow> </mml:math> , yielding particles sized 10 to 25 nm with a mean diameter of $$17 \pm 3$$ <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mml:mrow> <mml:mn>17</mml:mn> <mml:mo>±</mml:mo> <mml:mn>3</mml:mn> </mml:mrow> </mml:math> nm, demonstrating tunable synthesis suitable for targeted applications. Graphic abstract