Microemulsion-processed bismuth nanoparticles

Bismuth (Bi) is classic semi-metal with a low carrier density, small carrier effective masses, very long mean free path and highly anisotropic Fermi surface. In this work, we present a technique for the synthesis of bismuth nanometer-sized particles using an inverse microemulsion method. To prevent air-oxidation in the characterization stage, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) was used as protecting agent. Our characterizations reveal that single rhombohedral phase of bismuth can be obtained with ultrafine particle with similar to 20 nm in size by following this synthetic route. The optical absorption spectrum of the aqueous nanoparticle colloids shows an absorption band at similar to 268 nm. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.