Solvothermal synthesis and analysis of Bi1−xSbx nanoparticles

• Published in: Materials science & engineering. B, Solid-state materials for advanced technology Vol. 176; no. 3; pp. 246 - 251
• Main Authors: Sumithra, S., Misra, D.K., Wei, C., Gabrisch, H., Poudeu, P.F.P., Stokes, K.L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 25-02-2011
• Subjects: Citric acid; Log-normal distribution; Nanoparticle; Semimetal; Solvothermal; Semimetal; Log-normal distribution; Solvothermal; Nanoparticle; Citric acid
• ISSN: 0921-5107; 1873-4944
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2010.12.004

Bismuth–antimony alloy nanoparticles have been synthesized by a facile solvothermal method using N,N-dimethylformamide and ethylene glycol as solvent/reducing agent; BiCl3, SbCl3 and Bi(NO3)3 as precursors; and citric acid as a surface modifier/stabilizing agent. The particle size and size distribution of Bi nanoparticles were analyzed as a function of the synthesis conditions: molar ratio of precursor to surfactant, precursor concentration and reducing agent. Synthesis of Sb and Bi0.88Sb0.12 under similar conditions was also investigated. The phase purity of nanoparticles was confirmed from X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry and the nanoparticle morphology was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. A case study of Bi nanoparticles with detailed analysis of the particle morphology and size distribution of the nanoparticles is reported.