Size-controlled bismuth nanoparticles physically grown by the support of cobalt atomic flux

•Almost monodisperse Bi nanoparticle arrays are synthesized using MAGBIN method.•For MAGBIN, Bi and Co are co-sputtered onto a Si substrate at elevated temperatures.•Bi nanoparticles become larger as the relative power to Bi increases.•Larger and better-developed Bi nanoparticles are obtained at higher temperatures.•Larger, oval-shaped, Co-contaminated Bi nanoparticles result from extended growth.

Bi nanoparticle arrays with the almost monodispersity were synthesized using a magnetically assisted physical method. The average size and the overall morphology of Bi nanoparticles could be controlled by the adjustment of several parameters such as relative powers applied to Bi and Co targets, substrate temperature, and growth time. It was disclosed that Bi nanoparticles grow larger at a higher relative power to Bi, higher substrate temperature, and longer growth time, accompanying the deterioration of well-developed faceted structures. This physical method may provide a facile and fast route to achieving quality Bi nanoparticle arrays with a certain extent of size and morphology controllability.