Structure and Characteristics of Opal - Bi₁₂GeO₂₀ and Opal - NaBi(MoO₄)₂ Nanocrystalline Composites

Abstract

In this work we investigate and analyze phase composition and structure parameters of the nanocomposites obtained by the melt-based impregnation of porous opal matrices with dielectrics prospective for optoelectronics applications Bi12GeO20 and NaBi (MoO4)2. The embedded material is formed inside opal pores as nanocrystals with an average linear size not exceeding 50 nm and modified lattice parameters. In the case of impregnating opals with Bi12GeO20, new additional compounds are produced and transformation of opal matrix from amorphous to crystalline state is observed. These effects are discussed in the framework of the interaction of bismuth cations with the surface of the 285 nm SiO2 particles that compose opal matrix. No stoichiometry deviations and new phases are detected in “opal-NaBi (MoO4)2” composite.