In situ investigation of bismuth nanoparticles formation by transmission electron microscope

摘要

Highlights?Bi nanoparticles are prepared using NaBi(MoO4)2nanosheets from TEM.?The formation and growth of Bi nanoparticles are investigated in situ.?The effect of irradiation time on size of Bi nanoparticles is investigated.?Some nanoparticles on the edges form nanorods as a result of a coalescence process.AbstractBismuth (Bi) nanoparticles are prepared by using NaBi(MoO4)2nanosheets in the beam of electrons emitted by transmission electron microscope. The formation and growth of Bi nanoparticles are investigated in situ. The sizes of Bi nanoparticles are confined within the range of 6–10nm by controlling irradiation time. It is also observed that once the diameter of nanoparticles is larger than 10nm, the Bi particles are stable as a result of the immobility of large nanoparticles. In addition, some nanoparticles on the edges form nanorods, which are explained as the result of a coalescence process, if the irradiation period is longer than 10min. The in situ research on Bi nanoparticles facilitates in-depth investigations of the physicochemical behavior and provides more potential applications in various fields such as sensors, catalysts and optical devices.]]>