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 A_1g and E_g 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.