In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Observation of the Growth of Bismuth Oxide Whiskers

Abstract Growth of bismuth oxide (most probably Bi₂O₃) was observed in situ in a transmission electron microscope. Bi liquid particles were dispersed on the substrates of diamond or SiO₂. Introduction of oxygen up to ∼5 × 10⁻⁴ Pa resulted in formation of bismuth oxide (most probably Bi₂O₃) whiskers. The growth mechanism of the whisker was discussed in terms of a vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism. It is suggested that the liquid droplet of Bi acts as a physical catalyst for growth of bismuth oxide (most probably Bi₂O₃) whiskers.