Size- and shape-controlled synthesis of bismuth nanoparticles

Near-monodisperse Bi dots in the diameter range of 3-115 nm are synthesized by a simple, solution-based one-step approach by varying the amounts of Bi[N(SiMe3)(2)](3), Na[N(SiMe3)(2)], and a polymer surfactant, poly(1-hexadecen)(0.67)-co-(1-vinylpyrrolidinone)(0.33), employed. The reaction conditions are further modified to produce Bi nanorods and nanoplates. Alternatively, near-monodisperse Bi dots in the diameter range of 30-45 nm are synthesized by a secondary-addition technique. With a slight modification of this technique, nanoribbons are obtained. The roles of polymer and Na[N(SiMe3)(2)] in the size and shape control of these Bi nanoparticles are discussed.