Phase-transitions of α- and β-Bi2O3 nanowires

Abstract: The transition temperatures for the α or β to δ and the δ to liquid phase for α- and β-Bi2O3 nanowires were investigated. We found that there is a size effect for the δ to liquid phase transition but not the α or β to δ phase transition. This is because the δ to liquid phase transition involves bond rupture as well as surface area reduction, whereas the α or β to δ is only solid–solid phase transition, which requires only the reorganization of the bonds. This is the first time the phase transitions of the Bi2O3 nanowires have been investigated and their size effect revealed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]