One-dimensional Bi(2)O(3) nanohooks: synthesis, characterization and optical properties.

We report the synthesis of one-dimensional (1D) Bi(2)O(3) nanohooks by the oxidative metal vapor phase deposition technique. Surface morphology observations confirm the formation of 1D nanohooks with nanoparticles at their tips. Structural analysis by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals the crystalline nature of the 1D nanostructure. Elemental analysis confirms that the 1D nanohooks consist of only elements Bi and O. The XRD study suggests that the synthesized product is of two phases (α- and β-Bi(2)O(3)) with monoclinic and tetragonal crystal structures respectively. The phonon vibration modes corresponding to Bi(2)O(3) are determined by Raman scattering. A broadband visible photoluminescence (PL) is observed in the wavelength region 500-900 nm, also indicating the extension of luminescence into the near-infrared region. The existence of broadband visible emission can be attributed to the existence of defect/impurity states induced by oxygen vacancies.