Synthesis and characterization of triangular bismuth nanoplates

Monodispersed bismuth was successfully prepared as triangular nanoplates via a simple thermal process. Refluxing provided the driving force to facilitate the Ostwald ripening process growth of the platelike materials. All the nanoplates were highly oriented single crystals with the (001) planes as the basal planes. The crystal growth process and the influence of pH value, complexing agent, and surfactant were investigated. The characterization of mid-infrared showed that the as-prepared sample transferred from a semimetal to a semiconductor.