Synthesis of bismuth nanoparticles and self-assembled nanobelts by a simple aqueous route in basic solution

An aqueous reduction method was successfully used to prepare Bi nanoparticles at 90 degrees C with bismuth nitrate pentahydrate [Bi(NO3)(3).5H(2)O] and sodium-hypophosphite (NaH2PO2.H2O) as reactants. The diameters of Bi nanoparticles were controlled in the range of 10-50 nm under varied experimental parameters. And Bi nanobelts can also be constructed through self-assembly of Bi nanoparticles, which had typical lengths of up to 10 mu m and widths of up to 100 nm. Tartaric acid (TA, H2C4H4O6) and NaOH are key factors in our preparation. These Bi nanostructures are expected to find potential applications in a variety of areas due to their optical characteristics. Various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the obtained nanostructures. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.