Controlled Synthesis of Bismuth Oxide Nanowires by an Oxidative Metal Vapor Transport Deposition Technique

An oxidative metal vapor transport deposition technique is used for the synthesis of ultrathin β-Bi2O3 nanowires, which exploits spatial-temporal separation of Bi evaporation, vapor transport, droplet formation, and oxidative nucleation and growth. The nanowires grow via a self-catalyzed, reaction-coupled vapor–liquid–solid route, with potential for the general synthesis of metal oxide nanowires.