(160b) Reducing Flame Spray Synthesis of Bismuth: Pure Metal Nanoparticles and Bulk Nanocrystalline Samples

The preparation of metal bismuth nanoparticles by a scalable gas-phase process was studied. Metallic bismuth nanoparticles[1] of over 98% purity were prepared by combustion of a bismuth-carboxylate based precursor in a modified flame spray reactor operating in an inert atmosphere at a high fuel to oxygen ratio. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy confirming the formation of pure, crystalline metallic bismuth nanoparticles. Compression of the as-prepared powder resulted in highly dense, nanocrystalline pills with strong electrical conductivity and bright metallic gloss.

[1] R. N. Grass, W. J. Stark, J. Nanoparticle Res., 2006, In Press.