Tailoring Charge Carriers through Solid-State Mechanochemical Synthesis Bismuth Nanoparticles Directly onto BiVO₄ Surface

Author(s)

Faustino, Leandro A. ; Xavier, Ismael P. L. ; de Oliveira, Paulo F. M. ; de Torresi, Susana I. Cordoba

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society; v. 35, n. 12, p. 7-pg., 2024-12-01.

Abstract

Metallic nanoparticles remain the focus of diverse studies across various fields due to their exceptional properties and applications in biology, sensing, energy, and (electro)catalysis. Typical syntheses of metallic nanoparticles are solution-based and require the use of stabilizing agents. Although these surface agents prevent agglomeration, they also hinder access to active sites on the nanoparticle surface. A promising alternative is mechanochemical synthesis, offering a solvent and surfactant-free approach, which yields uniform nanoparticles with clean surfaces. Here, we employ ball milling as a mechanochemical method to prepare metallic bismuth nanoparticles in a single step, using BiVO4 semiconductor both as a bismuth source and a support. Our results demonstrate that, in addition to the formation of nanoparticles by the partial reduction of BiVO4, there is an increase in charge carriers in the semiconductor structure as probed by electrochemical experiments. The final properties of Bi@BiVO4 material make it a relevant candidate for (electro)catalysis. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/00675-4 - Tying up materials for electrochemical energy storage and catalysis
• Grantee: Roberto Manuel Torresi
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/15230-5 - Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation - RCG2I
• Grantee: Julio Romano Meneghini
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program
• FAPESP's process: 20/14955-6 - Designing the next generation of advanced multicomponent materials through mechanochemical synthesis
• Grantee: Paulo Filho Marques de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 23/01223-5 - Mechanochemistry as a tool in the preparation of multimetallic nanomaterials
• Grantee: Ismael Pinheiro Lucas Xavier
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 22/04604-7 - Plasmonic contributions to N2 and CO2 co-electrolysis
• Grantee: Leandro Augusto Faustino
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral