Controlled synthesis of bismuth oxo nanoscale crystals (BiOCl, Bi12O17Cl2, α-Bi2O3, and (BiO)2CO3) by solution-phase methods

We present the controlled solution-phase synthesis of several sheet- or rod-like bismuth oxides, BiOCl, Bi12O17Cl2, α-Bi2O3 and (BiO)2CO3, by adjusting growth parameters such as reaction temperature, mole ratios of reactants, and the base used. BiOCl, Bi12O17Cl2, and α-Bi2O3 could be prepared from BiCl3 and NaOH, whereas (BiO)2CO3 was prepared from BiCl3 and urea. BiOCl and Bi12O17Cl2 could also be prepared from BiCl3 and ammonia. The α-Bi2O3 sample exhibited strong emission at room temperature.