Chemical synthesis and characterization of bismuth oxychloride BiOCl nanoparticles

Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) nanoparticles were synthesized using bismuth nitrate pentahydrate (Bi (NO3)3*5H2O) and tannic acid (C76H52O46), the latter playing the role of stabilizing agent in a highly acid environment. For the characterization of the particles several techniques were used. The X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) confirmed the formation of BiOCl nanocrystals with an average size of 15.33 ± 0.16 nm. Raman spectroscopy showed the characteristic A1g and Eg vibrational normal modes of BiOCl. Through electron microscopy studies (SEM and TEM) the formation of nanosized particles was confirmed. The average particle size measured from TEM images was 22.11 ± 0.29 nm, in good agreement with the one calculated from XRD data. The synthesis method was performed in aqueous solution and it represents an easy and low-cost protocol for the production of BiOCl nanoparticles.