Synthesis and Microstructure of Antimony Oxide Nanorods

Antimony oxide nanorods were synthesized by the microemulsion method. The nanorods had diameter in the range of 507–175 nm and a length of up to several micrometers. The microstructure of the nanorods was examined by analytical transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Large-angle tilt diffraction experiments on the normal nanorods (about 90 nm in diameter) showed that they have an orthorhombic structure. Combining the results of internal standards using the silicon single crystal, it could be concluded that the synthesized nanorod is Sb₂O₄. The common growth direction of the nanorods was along the long axis. HRTEM images showed it had a periodic layer structure, and some defects and a layer of amorphous on the nanorods surface were found. The formation mechanism of Sb₂O₄ nanorods is briefly discussed.