Mass synthesis of dendritic Bi nanostructures by a facile electrodeposition route and influencing factors

In this paper, large dendritic Bi nanostructures were synthesized via a facile electrochemical deposition route at room temperature, employing Bi(NO(3))(3)center dot 5H(2)O as the reactant without assistance of any additive and protection of an inert atmosphere. The phase and morphology of the as-prepared product were characterized by means of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), (high resolution) transmission electron microscopy (HR/TEM), selected area electron pattern (SAED) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Some factors influencing the formation of dendritic Bi nanostructures were investigated, including the depositing time, current, complexing agent, surfactant, the original amount and existing state of Bi(III). Experiments showed that the existence state of Bi(III) in the system, the depositing time and some complex agents could markedly affect the morphology of the final product. Also, the as-obtained product is found to have potential applications in the detection of trace metal such as Cd in water resource.