Synthesis of Bismuth Nanoparticles by a Simple One-Step Solvothermal Reduction Route

The bismuth nanoparticles are synthesized via a solvothermal reduction method based on the chemical reduction of Bi3+ by ethylene glycol acting as the solvent and the reducing agent. The structural and morphological properties of the bismuth nanoparticles are investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. The results demonstrate that the synthesized powders has a rhombohedral crystalline structure and their diameters are in the range of 75-103 nm under the condition of the different initial bismuth nitrate concentrations with the reduction temperature of 200°C, indicating that the thermal reduction temperature and the initial bismuth nitrate concentrations are key factors for phase composition as well as crystal size.