Abstract
The matrix nanocomposite described here is fabricated using a reactive melt infiltration process exploiting crystalline bismuth tellurite (Bi2TeO5) powder and porous silica dioxide (SiO2) matrix as original components. The original matrix, that is composed of regularly arranged amorphous SiO2 spheres, and is known as synthetic opal, reacts with the molten Bi2TeO5, forming three components (Bi2TeO5, bismuth orthosilicate (Bi4Si3O12), and $ \alpha$ -cristobalite) when cooled down to room temperature. The first two components can be considered as a set of nanocrystals with an average linear size more than 30nm and lattice parameters changed in comparison with those in a single crystal lattice. The $ \alpha$ -cristobalite component is formed rather as a network at the sites of amorphous SiO2 spheres whose presence in the obtained composite is not detected. A dominant role of bismuth ions in breaking the Si-O-Si bonds in a bridge-like structure of amorphous SiO2 spheres is proposed.
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