Nanocrystalline bismuth synthesized via an in situ polymerization–microemulsion process

Nanometer-sized bismuth particles were prepared using an inverse microemulsion method. To prevent air-oxidation, an in situ polymerization technique using methyl methacrylate (monomer) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (co-monomer) with cross-link agent was employed, and polymeric network was formed around the water droplets. Our characterizations reveal that very highly crystalline bismuth particles on the order of 20 nm can be obtained within this polymeric network. Comparison with a similar microemulsion procedure without polymer indicates that the polymeric network protected the bismuth particles against oxidation, especially during post-synthesis annealing. The current investigation demonstrates a feasible route to produce single phase, air-sensitive metal nanocrystallites using this modified microemulsion technique.