Powder Diffraction Patterns and Structures of the Bismuth Oxides

The structures of the bismuth oxides are discussed and evaluated. Calculated powder diffraction patterns were made for all reported phases with known crystal structures. Comparing the calculated and experimental patterns indicates that the α and β polymorphs are well characterized. All previous observations concerning δ‐Bi 2 O 3 are explained using a primitive cubic crystal structure model. The existence of an fee Bi 2 O 3 is in doubt. Calculated patterns are given for all reported nonstoichiometric and suboxides of bismuth.