Melting Behaviour of Bi1-xSbx Free Standing Alloy Nanoparticles Synthesized via Solvothermal Route

Abstract

The present investigation aims at understanding the effect of size on melting behaviour of free standing alloy nanoparticles. Alloy nanoparticles of Bi 1-x Sb x (x=0.12, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75) have been synthesized by solvothermal route using sodium borohydride (NaBH 4 ) as a reducing agent. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The melting behaviour of alloys was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The formation of different solid solution phases of Bi-Sb alloy has been confirmed by detailed XRD studies. Uniform cuboctahedral as well as spherical morphology of alloy nanoparticles has been observed in TEM with average particle size of 40±9 nm in Bi 0.75 Sb 0.25 specimen. DSC studies indicate the depression in the melting temperature of the nanoparticles as compared to the bulk alloy of same composition.

Chemical Ordering in Bi1–xSbx Nanostructures: Alloy, Janus, or Core–Shell

“…By having a lower melting point compared to Sb, Bi melts first. It is apparent from the X-ray diffraction characterization and DSC measurements that were reported by Devi and Biswas . Several melting experiments were performed on the Bi 0.5 Sb 0.5 and Bi 0.25 Sb 0.75 spherical nanoparticles, and they all exhibited an onset initial melting event at the melting temperature of Bi at 40 nm.…”

“…Very few studies have been conducted regarding Bi 1 – x Sb x nanoparticles concerning their melting temperature. , These studies were completed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). When comparing our calculated data to the available experimental data, one study allows for direct comparison and discussion regarding segregation. Devi and Biswas synthesized Bi 1 – x Sb x nanoparticles by a solvothermal route and used experimental techniques to determine their crystallinity, chemical composition, and thermal behavior.…”

“…It is apparent from the X-ray diffraction characterization and DSC measurements that were reported by Devi and Biswas. 39 Several melting experiments were performed on the Bi 0.5 Sb 0.5 and Bi 0.25 Sb 0.75 spherical nanoparticles, and they all exhibited an onset initial melting event at the melting temperature of Bi at 40 nm. Following the first melting event, another melting event occurs, and its onset is similar to that of the melting temperature of bulk Sb.…”

“…Very few studies have been conducted regarding Bi 1 – x Sb x nanoparticles concerning their melting temperature. , These studies were completed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). When comparing our calculated data to the available experimental data, one study allows for direct comparison and discussion regarding segregation.…”

“…When comparing our calculated data to the available experimental data, one study allows for direct comparison and discussion regarding segregation. Devi and Biswas synthesized Bi 1 – x Sb x nanoparticles by a solvothermal route and used experimental techniques to determine their crystallinity, chemical composition, and thermal behavior. The nanoparticles synthesized by Devi and Biswas were spherical having 40 ± 9 nm in diameter with various compositions of x Sb = 0.12, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75.…”