Electrochemical Formation of Bismuth Phosphate Nanorods by Anodization of Bismuth

We report on hexagonal-phase bismuth phosphate nanorods that can be formed on bismuth substrates by anodization in fluoride-containing concentrated phosphoric acid electrolyte. Under optimized conditions, BiPO4 layers can be formed that consist of rods with a diameter of 50-70 nm and a length of 250 nm. These nanorods are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photoluminescence measurements. The results confirm the presence of BiPO4 nanorods that show a high photoluminescence in the visible range of the spectrum, peaking at a wavelength of 440 nm. (C) 2010 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/1.3290775] All rights reserved.