Convenient solvothermal synthesis of nanoscale 0-2D Bi without surfactants and templates

Bi is a semimetal with unusual and attractive electronic properties. However, synthesis of nanoscale 0-2D Bi single crystal with good dispersity and quality without surfactants and substrates is still a challenge. In this paper, a novel, simple and low-cost solvothermal method for synthesis of 0-2D nanoscale Bi at mild conditions and without a surfactant/substrate is reported. By using Bi(NO3)3·5H2O or NaBiO3·2H2O as Bi sources and environmental friendly C3H8O3 as solvent, we synthesized nanospheres, nanowires and nanoribbons characterized with monodispersity, high purity and crystallinity. The growth mechanism of the 0-2D nanostructure was discussed. It is found that the Bi source, concentration and solvent significantly influences the morphology and size. Single crystal free-standing nanoribbon has large magnetoresistance up to 540% at 100 K. This novel approach can be applied in synthesis of nanostructured Bi single crystals and the large-scale fabrication of some other nanostructured semimetals.