BISNANO

Functionalities of Bismuth based nanostructures

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The aim of the present project is to explore the properties and possible applications of bismuth and bismuth based compounds when they are synthesized at the nanometric scale. This approach is motivated by the uncommon but advantageous properties of bismuth which, in part, have been exploited for many years. However, there are many unexplored possibilities and with the advent of nanotechnology new prospectives may be expected. We believe this approach will lead to new and high-tech applications of bismuth based materials, adding new value to one of the major mining products of Mexico (second most important world production) and boost the related economic benefits which at present are low. In the project, we have integrated complementary research groups from Mexico and Europe covering interdisciplinary fields. In the thematic work-packages, research groups working on the synthesis of the nanostructured materials will collaborate with others doing the physical-chemical materials characterization and the application development. The materials include Bi, Bi2O3 and Bi2S3 nanostructures, Bismuth metal oxide nanostructured ceramics and thin films, bismuth-based nanocomposites where Bi constitutes the nanoscale inclusion and the matrices varied from ceramics, polymers or glasses, and finally Bi superconductors. Extensive chemical and structural characterization will be required to correlate the synthesis parameters with the physical properties. Finally, the project includes the physical evaluation focused on the optical, electrical, magnetic, ferroelectric, etc. properties, according to the proposed applications. The time scale of the project is sufficient for the preparation of master’s degree students and the initial years of doctorate students. These students will work in a very academic-rich environment and at the same time have contact with the industrial partners in the project, some of which are leaders in the development of Bi-based commercial products.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Mexico is the second largest producer of bismuth yet, in its bulk form, bismuth provides relatively low financial return. New research exploiting nano-structured bismuth could make it a very profitable commodity.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Bismuth has been proposed as a green alternative to heavy metals such as lead and mercury. In addition, the advent of nanotechnology has opened new doors for high-tech applications of nano-scale bismuth and bismuth-related materials, a currently untapped market potential.

Nineteen partners from Europe and Mexico initiated the EU-funded project 'Functionalities of bismuth based nanostructures' (http://www.bisnano.eu (BISNANO)) to synthesise and fully characterise the materials with an eye on potential applications for added value.

Important benefits are expected for the Mexican economy and outcomes will also support development of novel products throughout Europe and Mexico.

Over 30 bismuth-based nanomaterials were synthesised during the course of the project, including nanoparticles, nano alloys, nanocomposites and thin films. These were characterised for application in products such as sensors, anti-counterfeiting tags, fire-retardant polymers and self-lubricating coatings.

Several prototypes developed with industrial partners or third-party contacts have potential for leading to spin-off companies or directly to industrial products. In fact, one application is currently on the market. Other prototypes were shown at international fairs and outcomes have led to submission of a patent for a nanofilter system.

Safety and risk associated with nanoparticle use is an important part of any research and development programme related to nanomaterials, and BISNANO was no exception. Partners investigated the effects of bismuth-related nanomaterials on cells. With novel visualisation approaches, the team was able to see inside cells to evaluate sub-cellular localisation of metallic nanoparticles and uptake dynamics.

Overall, studies support the safety of bismuth-based nanomaterials to public health and the environment.

The tremendous progress led to more than 22 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and a joint proposal from 3 BISNANO partners for follow-up work in a new Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) project. Several symposia on the new topic were organised.

BISNANO could well turn the low-value mining of bismuth into a high-tech, high added-value enterprise with important benefits for Mexico and the EU. The ecological benefits of this green metal would make the public a beneficiary of the fruitful collaboration as well.