Solvothermal synthesis and analysis of Bi1−xSbx nanoparticles

Bismuth–antimony alloy nanoparticles have been synthesized by a facile solvothermal method using N,N-dimethylformamide and ethylene glycol as solvent/reducing agent; BiCl3, SbCl3 and Bi(NO3)3 as precursors; and citric acid as a surface modifier/stabilizing agent. The particle size and size distribution of Bi nanoparticles were analyzed as a function of the synthesis conditions: molar ratio of precursor to surfactant, precursor concentration and reducing agent. Synthesis of Sb and Bi0.88Sb0.12 under similar conditions was also investigated. The phase purity of nanoparticles was confirmed from X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry and the nanoparticle morphology was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. A case study of Bi nanoparticles with detailed analysis of the particle morphology and size distribution of the nanoparticles is reported.