Abstract. A simple room-temperature solution chemical route for bulk synthesis of high quality α- Bi₂O₃ nanowires has been demonstrated. The nanowires have a diameter of about 50 nm and a length in the range of several to tens of micrometers. It was found that oleic acid played an important role in directing the growth of α- Bi₂O₃ nanowires along the direction, and the diameter of the nanowires increased with an increase of the reaction temperature. Furthermore, the Bi₂O₃ nanowire sensors are highly sensitive to ppm-levels of NO₂ in ambient air with fast response, good selectivity and stability, indicating their potential applications for environmental monitoring and pollution control.

Print publication: Issue 49 (9 December 2009)
Received 6 September 2009, in final form 26 October 2009
Published 6 November 2009