Synthesis of TeO2 nanoparticles by tellurium oxidation in NH4OH and their infrared sensing properties

Abstract

Tellurium oxide is an interesting semiconductor metal oxide with a variety of fascinating photoelectric properties. The method of thermal oxidation of tellurium metal in air was used to make TeO₂ nanowires and rods. This paper introduces a facile method to synthesize TeO₂ nanoparticles directly from tellurium powder in NH4OH solution. The TeO₂ nanoparticles are monodisperse, uniform and high density. The growth mechanism of the TeO₂ nanoparticles was proposed and debated. This material has a good ability to absorb infrared light with a wavelength of 800 nm. The infrared photosensing properties of this nanomaterial were investigated and compared to those of recent studies.