Synthesis of by the Flux Method

has been successfully synthesized using Bi2O3–B2O3 eutectic flux. In particular, we succeeded in synthesizing a low-temperature-phase crystal (α-) at 1073 K as well as high-temperature-phase crystal (β-). The morphology of α- and β- particles prepared by the flux method is a euhedral crystal. In contrast, the morphology of particles prepared by solid state reaction differs: α- is aggregated and β- is necked. Ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectra indicate that the absorption edge is at a longer wavelength for β- than for α- with β- absorbing light of wavelengths up to nearly 400 nm.