Microwave assisted rapid synthesis of Bi2O3 short nanorods

Abstract In this research, a highly efficient and rapid approach of synthesizing Bi 2 O 3 short nanorods is reported in aqueous solutions using microwave irradiation of bismuth (III) nitrate in the presence of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), as a stabilizing polymer. Transmission electron and field-emission scanning electron microscope images clearly indicate the formation of short nanorods in 6 min under microwave irradiation. Conventional heat treatment route yields only Bi 2 O 3 powder and it is also comparatively complicated and needs high manufacturing cost. Formation of such short Bi 2 O 3 nanorods may be due to the formation of a polymer–metal complex with the stabilizing polymer (PVP).