Effect of excess bismuth on the synthesis of bismuth silicate (Bi 4Si3O12) polycrystals

Abstract

In this study, the effect of bismuth content on the crystal structure and morphology of bismuth silicate (BSO:Bi4Si3 O12) polycrystals were investigated with X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscope (SEM). BSO materials have been successfully prepared by the solid-state reaction. The BSO phase was crystallized at 950°C for 12 h. In summary, 10% of excess bismuth was found to be the optimum composition with respect to crystallization, morphology, and grain size. © 2009 World Scientific Publishing Company.