Bi nanoparticles and Bi2O3 nanorods formed by thermal plasma and heat treatment

Bismuth nanoparticles with diameters in range of 100 nm to 400 nm are obtained through thermal plasma method. When the products are retreated in silex tube under oxygen atmosphere at 250 °C, bismuth oxide nanorods are successfully synthesized. The diameters and lengths of the nanorods range from 15 nm to 100 nm, and 30 nm to 600 nm, respectively. The morphologies and crystal structures of the final products are characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and X-ray powder diffractometer.