Bi 20TiO 32 nanocones prepared from Bi–Ti–O mixture by metalorganic decomposition method

Abstract

Bi 20TiO 32 in the form of nanocones are reported for the first time, which have been found during the formation of Bi 2Ti 2O 7 nanocrystals. Bi 20TiO 32 nanocones were prepared by metalorganic decomposition technique. From X-ray patterns, it was found that Bi 20TiO 32 is a metastable phase, and can transform gradually into Bi 2Ti 2O 7 phase with the annealing time increasing at a temperature of 550°C. The image of field emission scanning electron microscopy shows that the lengths of the nanocones are up to several micrometers and the diameters of cusps range from 20 to 200 nm. The studies of transmission electron microscopy show that the nanocones are crystalline Bi 20TiO 32. The growth mechanism of Bi 20TiO 32 nanocones has been proposed, which is similar to the vapor–liquid–solid growth mechanism.