Rapid solid-state synthesis of binary group 15 chalcogenides using microwave irradiation

Solid-state microwave synthesis was found to provide a simple, rapid and economical route to prepare Sb₂Se₃, Sb₂Te₃, Bi₂Se₃ and Bi₂Te₃. These technologically important materials were prepared via solid-state microwave synthesis in as little as 4 min. Through the process of finding the ideal synthetic conditions with which to produce each of these compounds, the effects that several synthetic variables have on the reaction outcomes were explored. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis and diffuse reflectance measurements, when appropriate, were used to characterize the materials.