Synthesis and properties of bismuth nanocrystals

We present results of our investigation of the synthesis and structural properties of bismuth nanoparticles. Particles of bismuth with sizes on the order of 10-30 nm are synthesized by low-temperature, solution-chemical techniques. Chemical reduction of bismuth salts takes place in specifically-tailored, aqueous-organic microemulsions. The resulting nanoparticles are characterized by x-ray diffraction, optical absorption and electron microscopy.