Shape-controlled solvothermal synthesis of bismuth subcarbonate nanomaterials

Much effort has been devoted to the synthesis of novel nanostructured materials because of their unique properties and potential applications. Bismuth subcarbonate ((BiO)(2)CO3) is one of commonly used antibacterial agents against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Different (BiO)(2)CO3 nanostructures such as cube-like nanoparticles, nanobars and nanoplates, were fabricated from bismuth nitrate via a simple solvothermal method. The nanostructures were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). It was found that the solvents and precursors have an influence on the morphologies of (BiO)(2)CO3 nanostructures. The possible formation mechanism of different (BiO)(2)CO3 nanostructures fabricated under different conditions was also discussed. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.