Three-dimensional hierarchical flowerlike microstructures of α-Bi2O3 constructed of decahedrons and rods

Three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical flowerlike microstructures of alpha-Bi2O3 composed of decahedrons and rods have been synthesized using a facile solution precipitation method with the assistance of glycerin. The hierarchical microstructures have been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, UV-visible spectrometer and fluorescence spectrophotometer. According to experimental results, the glycerin plays crucial role in the formation of the hierarchical structure and adjustment of pressure and temperature could change shape of petals. Luminescence bands centered at 2.81, 2.58, 2.32 and 2.17 eV in photoluminescence (PL) spectra can be attributed to band-edge emission, Bi3+ ions and oxygen vacancies, respectively. Finally, the effect of morphology on band gaps and PL characteristics was analyzed. (C) 2013 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.