Bismuth colloids and films from non-aqueous solvents

Bismuth colloids and metal-metal oxide films have been prepared by the method Chemical Liquid Deposition (CLD). The metal is evaporated to yield atoms which are solvated at liquid nitrogen temperature, and upon warming stable liquid colloids, are formed with particle size ranging between 50-350 Angstrom. Zeta potentials were calculated according to the convention of Hunter and the Huckel equation, for most of these negatively charged particles. Upon solvent removal, colloidal particles coalesce to form films, which contain some residual solvent. The synthesis of colloids and films from Bi with acetone, 2-butanone, 4-methyl-2-pentanone, ethanol, 2-propanol, DMF, THF, DMSO, benzene and toluene is reported. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) allows us to determine particle size. FTIR, Thermogravimetric Analyses (TGA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) have aided in film characterization. These studies indicate that solvents are incorporated into the films. Resistivity studies showed that they behave as semiconductors rather than pure metals. TGA studies reveal that loss of weight occurs within 244-453 degrees C. The films are very stable with 5-30% weight loss at 550 degrees C.