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A Facile Synthetic Method to Obtain Bismuth Oxyiodide Microspheres Highly Functional for the Photocatalytic Processes of Water Depuration
Published on: March 29, 2019
Structure of oxidized bismuth nanoclusters.
K J Stevens1, B Ingham, M F Toney
1MPT Solutions Ltd, PO Box 38-096, Lower Hutt, New Zealand. k.stevens@mptsolutions.com
Acta Crystallographica. Section B, Structural Science
|July 21, 2007
Summary
Bismuth nanoclusters produced in an inert gas aggregation source are covered by beta-bismuth oxide. This oxide layer, approximately 20-50 Angstroms thick, induces compressive strain in the nanoclusters.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Solid State Physics
Background:
- Bismuth nanoclusters are synthesized using inert gas aggregation.
- Surface oxidation of nanoclusters can alter their properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the oxide phase and thickness on bismuth nanoclusters.
- To investigate the strain state induced by the oxide layer.
Main Methods:
- Synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase identification and strain analysis.
- Williamson-Hall analysis for peak broadening.
- High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) for structural imaging.
- Multislice image simulations for HRTEM analysis.
Main Results:
- Beta-bismuth oxide (beta-Bi(2)O(3)) is the dominant oxide phase on hexagonal bismuth nanoclusters.
- The oxide layer thickness is approximately 20 +/- 5 Angstroms.
- Oxidized clusters exhibit a uniform compressive strain of -0.11 +/- 0.06%.
- HRTEM confirms oxide thickness (20-50 Angstroms) and reveals crystallographic orientation between oxide and core.
Conclusions:
- Synchrotron XRD and HRTEM confirm the presence and structure of beta-Bi(2)O(3) on bismuth nanoclusters.
- The oxide layer induces significant compressive strain, altering the nanocluster's mechanical properties.
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