Phase-controlled synthesis and characterization of nickel sulfides nanorods

Different one-dimensional nickel sulfides, NiS nanorods and Ni₉S₈ nanorods were synthesized in the presence (Route 1) and absence (Route 2) of gas CO₂. X-ray powder diffraction patterns, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images show that the product from Route 1 is NiS nanorods with a diameter of about 50-120 nm, while the product from Route 2 is Ni₉S₈ nanords about 70-200 nm in diameter. A molecular-template-like mechanism was proposed for the one-dimensional structures growth. The products were also investigated by Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy.     

Bi3In4S10 and Bi14.7In11.3S38: Two new bismuth sulfides with interesting Bi-Bi bonding

Two new ternary bismuth chalcogenides, Bi₃In₄S₁₀ and Bi_14.7In_11.3S₃₈, were synthesized from the reactions of binary sulfides via a two-step flux technique. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses indicate that Bi₃In₄S₁₀ crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric space group Pm and Bi_14.7In_11.3S₃₈ crystallizes in the centrosymmetric space group P2₁/m. Both compounds adopt three-dimensional frameworks. A distinct structural feature in the two structures is the presence of chains of Bi atoms with alternating short Bi-Bi bonds of around 3.1 Å and longer distances of around 4.6 Å. The optical band gaps of 1.42(2) eV for Bi₃In₄S₁₀ and 1.45(2) eV for Bi_14.7In_11.3S₃₈ were deduced from the diffuse reflectance spectra.     

Morphology Control of Bi2S3 Nanostructures and the Formation Mechanism

Bismuthinite (Bi₂S₃) nanostructures were prepared by a hydrothermal method with sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA‐Na₂). The morphology of Bi₂S₃ nanostructures was changed from a nanorod to a nanoplate by presence of the EDTA‐Na₂. The altered morphology was caused by the capping effect of EDTA‐Na₂ with Bi³⁺ ions, which induces the suboptimal growth direction due to partially blocking the preferential orientation direction. When the EDTA‐Na₂/Bi³⁺ molar ratio=1, the growth of Bi₂S₃ nanostructures was not allowed due to the chelating effect of EDTA‐Na₂. The obtained Bi₂S₃ nanorods, stacked nanorods, nanoplates and nanoparticles were characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern. A possible formation mechanism of these morphologies was proposed. The successful synthesis of various morphologies of nanostructured Bi₂S₃ may open up new possibilities for thermoelectric, electronic and optoelectronic uses of nanodevices based on Bi₂S₃ nanostructure.     

Synthesis of Bi2Se3 thermoelectric nanosheets and nanotubes through hydrothermal co-reduction method

Bi₂Se₃ nanosheets and nanotubes were prepared by a hydrothermal co-reduction method at 150, 180, 200, and 210 °C. Bi₂Se₃ nanosheets, nanobelts and nanotubes were obtained. The Bi₂Se₃ nanoflakes are 50-500 nm in width and 2-5 nm in thickness. The Bi₂Se₃ nanotubes are 5-10 nm in diameter, 80-120 nm in length, and 1.3 nm in wall thickness. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and electron diffraction were employed to characterize the products. Experimental results showed that the nanosheets and the nanotubes are hexagonal in structure with a=4.1354 Å and c=27.4615 Å. A possible formation and crystal growth mechanism of Bi₂Se₃ nanostructures is proposed.     

Characterization of h-WO3 nanorods synthesized by hydrothermal process

Hexagonal tungsten oxide nanorods have been synthesized by hydrothermal strategy using Na₂WO₄·2H₂O as tungsten source, aniline and sulfate sodium as structure-directing templates. Techniques X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy have been used to characterize the structure, morphology and composition of the nanorods. The h-WO₃ nanorods are up to 5 μm in length, and 50–70 nm in diameter.     

Syntheses, structures, optical properties, and theoretical calculations of Cs2Bi2ZnS5, Cs2Bi2CdS5, and Cs2Bi2MnS5

Three new compounds, Cs₂Bi₂ZnS₅, Cs₂Bi₂CdS₅, and Cs₂Bi₂MnS₅, have been synthesized from the respective elements and a reactive flux Cs₂S₃ at 973 K. The compounds are isostructural and crystallize in a new structure type in space group Pnma of the orthorhombic system with four formula units in cells of dimensions at 153 K of a=15.763(3), b=4.0965(9), c=18.197(4) Å, V=1175.0(4) Å³ for Cs₂Bi₂ZnS₅; a=15.817(2), b=4.1782(6), c=18.473(3)  Å, V=1220.8(3)  ų for Cs₂Bi₂CdS₅; and a=15.830(2), b=4.1515(5), c=18.372(2) Å, V=1207.4(2) Å³ for Cs₂Bi₂MnS₅. The structure is composed of two-dimensional _∞²[Bi₂MS₅²⁻] (M=Zn, Cd, Mn) layers that stack perpendicular to the [100] axis and are separated by Cs⁺ cations. The layers consist of edge-sharing _∞¹[Bi₂S₆⁶⁻] and _∞¹[MS₃⁴⁻] chains built from BiS₆ octahedral and MS₄ tetrahedral units. Two crystallographically unique Cs atoms are coordinated to S atoms in octahedral and monocapped trigonal prismatic environments. The structure of Cs₂Bi₂MS₅, is related to that of Na₂ZrCu₂S₄ and those of the AMM′Q₃ materials (A=alkali metal, M=rare-earth or Group 4 element, M′= Group 11 or 12 element, Q=chalcogen). First-principles theoretical calculations indicate that Cs₂Bi₂ZnS₅ and Cs₂Bi₂CdS₅ are semiconductors with indirect band gaps of 1.85 and 1.75 eV, respectively. The experimental band gap for Cs₂Bi₂CdS₅ is ≈1.7 eV, as derived from its optical absorption spectrum.     

A simple method to synthesize NiO fibers

Nickel oxide fibers with diameters 1-2 μm and lengths up to 100 μm were synthesized by a simple pyrolytic decomposition method in NaCl flux with NiSO₄ as precursor. X-Ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were used to characterize these fibers. They have single-crystal structure, large aspect ratios and macroscopic quantity. Suitable precursor and molten NaCl environment are conjectured to be key factors in this method.     

A simple method of fabricating large-area α-MnO2 nanowires and nanorods

α-MnO₂ nanowires or nanorods have been selectively synthesized via the hydrothermal method in nitric acid condition. The α-MnO₂ nanowires hold with average diameter of 50 nm and lengths ranging between 10 and 40 μm, using MnSO₄·H₂O as manganese source; meanwhile, α-MnO₂ bifurcate nanorods with average diameter of 100 nm were obtained by adopting MnCO₃ as starting material. The morphology of α-MnO₂ bifurcate nanorods is the first one to be reported in this paper. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) were used to characterize the products. Experimental results indicate that the concentrated nitric acid plays a crucial role in the phase purity and morphologies of the products. The possible formation mechanism of α-MnO₂ nanowires and nanorods has been discussed.     

Controlled synthesis of urchin-like Bi2S3 via hydrothermal method

The urchin-like Bi₂S₃ nanostructures have been grown by a facile environmentally friendly hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectrum demonstrate that the obtained samples are composed of pure orthorhombic phase Bi₂S₃. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images reveal that it is produced as uniform urchin-like pattern with spherical symmetry. High-resolution (HR) TEM and selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) demonstrate that the nanowires which grow radially from the center of the urchin-like nanostructures toward all directions are single-crystalline and grow along the [001]. It is found that the reaction time, reaction temperature and thiourea (Tu) play key roles for the formation of urchin-like Bi₂S₃ nanostructures. The formation mechanism is ascribed to self-assembly and the intrinsic splitting character of the Bi₂S₃ structure. The urchin-like Bi₂S₃ composed of porous nanorods, solid nanorods and nanowires could be found potential application in optical, catalysts and sensor devices.     

Synthesis and gas sensitivities of SnO2 nanorods and hollow microspheres

SnO₂ urchin-like structures composed of nanorods with diameters of 10-15 nm and lengths of 50-70 nm have been hydrothermally synthesized via a H₂O₂-assisted route without any surfactant, using SnCl₂ as raw material. With the addition of methenamine (HMT), SnO₂ hollow microspheres with diameters of 2-3 μm and shell thickness of 60-140 nm were also prepared. The as-obtained products were examined using diverse techniques including X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), high-resolution TEM and photoluminescence spectra. The gas sensitivity experiments have demonstrated that the as-synthesized SnO₂ materials exhibit good sensitivity to alcohol vapors, which may offer potential applications in gas sensors.     

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Bismuth Sulfide (Bi2S3) Nanorods: Bismuth(III) Monosalicylate Precursor in the Presence of Thioglycolic Acid

Well-segregated bismuth sulfide (Bi₂S₃) nanorods with a high order of crystallinity have been successfully prepared from bismuth(III) monosalicylate [BiO(C₇H₅O₃)] by a simple hydrothermal reaction in H₂O at 180 °C. Bismuth(III) monosalicylate and thioglycolic acid act as the starting materials. The products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy photoluminescence spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The powder X-ray diffraction pattern shows the product belongs to the orthorhombic Bi₂S₃ phase. Their UV–Vis spectrum shows the absorbance at 328 nm, with its direct energy band gap of 2.6 eV. Bismuth salicylate, which is known to be a complex, may play a critical role as a precursor and a template for the growth of linear bismuth sulfide nanorods. Finally the influences of the reaction conditions are discussed and a possible mechanism for the formation of Bi₂S₃ nanorods is proposed.     

Synthesis of MnOOH nanorods by cluster growth route from [Mn12O12(RCOO)16(H2O)n] (R=CH3, C2H5). Rational conversion of MnOOH into Mn3O4 or MnO2 Nanorods

Single-crystalline nanorods of γ-MnOOH (manganite) phase with diameters of 120 nm and lengths of 1100 nm have been prepared using a new cluster growth route under low-temperature hydrothermal conditions starting from [Mn₁₂O₁₂(CH₃COO)₁₆(H₂O)₄]·2CH₃COOH·4H₂O or [Mn₁₂O₁₂(C₂H₅COO)₁₆(H₂O)₃]·4H₂O without any catalyst or template agents. The so-obtained nanorods were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Their thermal conversion opens an access to Mn₃O₄ (hausmannite) and β-MnO₂ (pyrolusite) nanorods, respectively, under argon or air atmosphere. A coercive field of 12.4 kOe was obtained for the Mn₃O₄ nanorods.     

The structural investigation of Ba4Bi3F17

The anion-excess ordered fluorite-related phase Ba₄Bi₃F₁₇ has been synthesized by a solid state reaction of BaF₂ and BiF₃ at 873 K. The crystal structure of Ba₄Bi₃F₁₇ has been studied using electron diffraction and X-ray powder diffraction (a=11.2300(2) Å, c=20.7766(5) Å, S.G. , R_I=0.020, R_P=0.036). Interstitial fluorine atoms in the Ba₄Bi₃F₁₇ structure are considered to form isolated cuboctahedral 8 : 12 : 1 clusters. The structural relationship between Ba₄Bi₃F₁₇ and similar rare-earth-based phases is discussed.     

A low-temperature synthesis of ultraviolet-light-emitting ZnO nanotubes and tubular whiskers

We have successfully synthesized single-crystal ZnO nanotubes and tubular whiskers by employing Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, NH₃·H₂O as the starting materials in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG, M_w=2000) at ambient pressure and low temperature (70 °C). Characterizations are carried out by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM, HRTEM) and photoluminescence (PL) measurement. The results show that the as-prepared ZnO are tubular textures, which have average cross-sectional dimensions of 200-300 nm, lengths of 2-3.5 μm, and wall thickness of 80 nm. These tubular products demonstrate a sharp ultraviolet excitonic emission peak centered at 385 nm at room temperature. A possible growth mechanism and the influence of the reaction temperature on the formation of crystalline ZnO are presented.     

反应溶剂对Bi2S3粉体形貌的影响

利用溶剂热法在不同反应溶剂中制备了不同尺寸的Bi2S3纳米管和纳米棒.利用XRD、SEM、TEM、选区电子衍射(SAED)和高分辨透射电镜(HRTEM)对其结构和形貌进行了表征.结果表明,所制备的产物是结晶良好的正交相Bi2S3,反应溶剂的表面张力、粘度大小和反应溶剂中的比例影响纳米粉体的形貌和尺寸.紫外-可见光吸收光谱测量表明,由于尺寸效应所有粉体的吸收谱相对于正交相的Bi2S3块体都出现蓝移.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of WO3·1/3H2O nanorods and study of their electrical properties

Crystalline tungsten oxide hydrate (WO₃·1/3H₂O) nanorods have been prepared by a hydrothermal process using Na₂WO₄·2H₂O and 4-phenylbutylamine as a structure-directing agent. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy and thermal analysis techniques have been used to characterize the structure, morphology and composition of the nanorods. The WO₃·1/3H₂O nanorods are up to several hundred nanometers in length, and the widths and thicknesses are 40 and 8 nm, respectively. A study of the electric properties in the temperature range 170–730 °C and frequency range 5–13 MHz is reported. The obtained results show that the activation energies are about 0.07, 0.63 and 2.46 eV for o-WO₃·1/3H₂O, h-WO₃ and m-WO₃, respectively. The as-synthesized materials are promising for chemical and energy-related applications such as catalysts and electrochemical devices, and may be applied in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.     

Formation of α-Mn2O3 nanorods via a hydrothermal-assisted cleavage-decomposition mechanism

A hydrothermal cleavage-decomposition mechanism was used to synthesize single-crystal α-Mn₂O₃ nanorods at 160 °C for 16 h using KMnO₄ as manganese source and CTAB as reducing regent. The as-synthesized products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and infrared spectrum. The results indicate that the reaction temperature is a crucial factor for the formation of α-Mn₂O₃ nanorods. These nanorods exhibit single-crystal nature, and have an average diameter of 36 nm and lengths of up to 1 μm. Based on our experimental results, a hydrothermal cleavage-decomposition mechanism has been proposed on the formation of α-Mn₂O₃ nanorods.     

Controlled morphology synthesis of β-FeOOH and the phase transition to Fe2O3

The hexagram and arrayed β-FeOOH nanorods were first synthesized free of surfactants through the solvent-thermal method. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDAX) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the as-prepared products. The TEM and FESEM images showed that hexagram β-FeOOH and arrayed rod-like β-FeOOH with an average diameter of 10-15 nm and an average length of 100 nm (aspect ratio is about 10) were prepared. Electrochemical tests show that these nanorods deliver a large discharge capacity of 277 mA h g⁻¹ versus Li metal at 0.1 mA cm⁻² (voltage at 1.5-4.2 V). Treated the as-synthesized rod-like β-FeOOH by annealing, rhombus hematite was obtained.     

Syntheses and characterization nano-structured bismuth(III) oxide from a new nano-sized bismuth(III) supramolecular compound

Nano-particles of a new Bi(III) supramolecular compound, {Bi₂(μ-4,4′-bipy)Cl₁₀] · 2(4,4′-Hbipy) · (4,4′-H₂bipy) · 2H₂O} (1) {4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine}, were synthesized by a sonochemical method. The nano-material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), IR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. Crystal structure of compound 1 was determined by X-ray crystallography. Calcination of the nano-particles of compound 1 at 400 °C under air atmospheres yields nano-sized particles of α-Bi₂O₃.     

Bi2WO6 photocatalytic films fabricated by layer-by-layer technique from Bi2WO6 nanoplates and its spectral selectivity

Bi₂WO₆ multilayer films have been fabricated successfully by a layer-by-layer (LbL) technique from Bi₂WO₆ nanoplates, which show higher visible-light photoactivity (λ>420 nm) than that of Bi₂WO₆ nanoplate powders and P25 TiO₂ films. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. Photocatalytic activities of the films were evaluated by the rhodamine B (RhB) decomposition under UV and visible-light irradiation. Thickness and photoactivity of the film can be modified easily by changing the deposition cycles. Bi₂WO₆ films have the spectral selectivity of the photocatalytic degradation of RhB. Under the wavelength greater than 300 nm, the RhB molecules tend to be transformed to rhodamine over Bi₂WO₆ films selectively. However, in the case of shorter wavelength (λ=254 nm) light irradiation, the RhB molecules can be photodegraded completely.