A general strategy to superstructured networks and nested self-similar networks of bismuth compounds

We have reported the synthesis of superstructured nanonetworks of BiOCl and nested nanonetworks of Bi(2)S(3) in a series of lattice-directed topotactic transformations [C. F. Guo et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2011, 138, 8211-8215]. Here we extend the transformations to a much broader system including ordered nanowall networks of BiOCl, BiOBr, Bi(2)O(2)CO(3), β-Bi(2)O(3), and Bi(2)S(3), as well as nested self-similar networks of Bi(2)S(3) and amorphous BiO(x). We suggest even more superstructured networks and nested self-similar networks of bismuth compounds with a lattice parameter of ~2(n/2) × 3.9 Å (n = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4), might also be obtained. The superstructured networks and nested networks are novel architectures that may find applications in electronic devices, sensors, filters, and photocatalysts.