A review on bismuth-based nanocomposites for energy and environmental applications

Bismuth, a heavy metal which is found to be inexpensive and at a reduced cost, is utilized in the synthesis of different nanomaterials with novel structure, remarkable physical and chemical properties, adjustable bandgap, notable efficiency for photothermal conversion. These characteristics have made this element desirable for various applications such as storage and conversion of energy, electronics, sensors, photocatalysis, and other biomedical applications. These review papers are the vital points for the students, this report guides them to the research papers which focus on the impressive development in the area of bismuth and similar nanostructures. The purpose of the present review is to discuss the various synthesis routes of bismuth-based nanomaterials along with green synthesis, different nanostructures of bismuth, their significant properties, diverse applications and directions for the upcoming research. Therefore, with these different tuneable synthesis methods of bismuth-based nanomaterials combined with their novel properties, would elucidate on the future devices based on various nanostructures of bismuth.

The versatile biomedical applications of bismuth-based nanoparticles and composites: therapeutic, diagnostic, biosensing, and regenerative properties

Studies of nanosized forms of bismuth (Bi)-containing materials have recently expanded from optical, chemical, electronic, and engineering fields towards biomedicine, as a result of their safety, cost-effective fabrication processes, large surface area, high stability, and high versatility in terms of shape, size, and porosity. Bi, as a nontoxic and inexpensive diamagnetic heavy metal, has been used for the fabrication of various nanoparticles (NPs) with unique structural, physicochemical, and compositional features to combine various properties, such as a favourably high X-ray attenuation coefficient and near-infrared (NIR) absorbance, excellent light-to-heat conversion efficiency, and a long circulation half-life. These features have rendered bismuth-containing nanoparticles (BiNPs) with desirable performance for combined cancer therapy, photothermal and radiation therapy (RT), multimodal imaging, theranostics, drug delivery, biosensing, and tissue engineering. Bismuth oxyhalides (BiO_x, where X is Cl, Br or I) and bismuth chalcogenides, including bismuth oxide, bismuth sulfide, bismuth selenide, and bismuth telluride, have been heavily investigated for therapeutic purposes. The pharmacokinetics of these BiNPs can be easily improved via the facile modification of their surfaces with biocompatible polymers and proteins, resulting in enhanced colloidal stability, extended blood circulation, and reduced toxicity. Desirable antibacterial effects, bone regeneration potential, and tumor growth suppression under NIR laser radiation are the main biomedical research areas involving BiNPs that have opened up a new paradigm for their future clinical translation. This review emphasizes the synthesis and state-of-the-art progress related to the biomedical applications of BiNPs with different structures, sizes, and compositions. Furthermore, a comprehensive discussion focusing on challenges and future opportunities is presented.

Laser-induced formation of bismuth nanoparticles

In the current communication, the synthesis of metallic Bi nanoparticles with coexisting crystallographic structures (rhombohedral, monoclinic, and cubic) obtained via direct femtosecond laser irradiation of NaBiO₃ is demonstrated for the first time.