Jul 3 2013
The potential for nanoparticles in biological, chemical, and industrial areas is infinite. Researchers are working on new applications of nanoparticles constantly.
This article discusses the properties and applications of bismuth oxide nanoparticles. Bismuth has a high electrical resistance, and has the highest increase in electrical resistance when placed in a magnetic field. Bismuth is a Block P, Period 6 element, while oxygen is a Block P, Period 2 element.
Bismuth oxide nanoparticles appear as yellow powder, and are graded as an irritant and might cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritations.
Chemical Properties
The chemical properties of bismuth oxide nanoparticles are outlined in the following table.
| Chemical Data |
| Chemical symbol |
Bi2O3 |
| CAS No. |
1304-76-3 |
| Group |
Bismuth 15
Oxygen 16 |
| Electronic configuration |
Bismuth [Xe] 4f145d10 6s2 6p3
Oxygen [He] 2s2 2p4 |
| Chemical Composition |
| Element |
Content (%) |
| Bismuth |
89.69 |
| Oxygen |
10.29 |
Physical Properties
The physical properties of bismuth oxide nanoparticles are given in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
8.9 g/cm3 |
0.321 lb/in3 |
| Molar mass |
465.96 g/mol |
- |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of bismuth oxide nanoparticles are provided in the table below.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Melting point |
817° C |
1503° F |
| Boiling point |
1890 °C |
3434 °F |
Manufacturing Process
Bismuth oxide nanoparticles can be manufactured using a simple gel to crystal conversion route at 80–100°C under refluxing conditions. The formation of Bi2O3 nanocrystallites can be confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD).
Applications
The main applications of bismuth oxide nanoparticles are electrochemical applications, such as in the electrolyte or cathode of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), in bio-medical and cancer imaging and for other photoconductive characteristics in thin films.
Source: AZoNano