Large-scale synthesis of uniform urchin-like patterns of Bi₂S₃ nanorods through a rapid polyol process

A rapid and convenient polyol method has been developed to synthesize uniform urchin-like patterns of Bi₂S₃ nanorods in ethylene glycol at 197 °C for 30 min. X-ray diffraction pattern indicates that the obtained sample is orthorhombic phase Bi₂S₃. Scanning electron microscopy images and transmission electron microscopy images reveal that it is produced as uniform urchin-like pattern with spherical symmetry. The individual Bi₂S₃ nanorods is about 50 nm in diameter. The solvent and the S source material, thiourea, are of great importance on the final urchin-like structures.