Facile and one-pot solution synthesis of several kinds of 3D hierarchical flower-like α-Bi₂O₃ microspheres

Several kinds of three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical constructed flower-like α-Bi₂O₃ microspheres were prepared successfully via a simple solution precipitation synthesis at 95°C and ambient atmospheric pressure in 1h. The synthesis process was operated in ethanol-water system as solvent with the assistance of glycerin and oleic acid as capping agents. These flower-like α-Bi₂O₃ architectures with diameter of several micrometers were 3D self-assembled from nanorods or nanocubes step by step. By adjusting the concentration of the capping agents, various flower-like α-Bi₂O₃ microspheres were obtained. The formation of the flower-like superstructures was attributed to the modification of nucleation and growth kinetics, and the guidance of self-assembly approach by capping agents. The formation mechanism of these microstructures was discussed briefly.