Bismuth nanoparticles were prepared by electrochemical reduction of bismuth oxide nanoparticles. Bismuth nitrate (Bi(NO3)3·5H2O) and ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) were used as starting materials and precipitant to synthesize bismuth hydroxide. After decomposition of bismuth hydroxide at 800 oC , spherical bismuth oxide nanoparticles with a diameter of 200 nm were obtained. Bismuth oxide nanoparticles were electrochemically reduced to bismuth nanoparticles below −1.0 V (vs. SCE) in a 0.1M KOH solution. The morphology and structure of the nanoparticles were analyzed with a scanning electron microscope(SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The bismuth nanoparticles prepared were applied for the simultaneous determination of lead and cadmium by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. Screenprinted bismuth nanoparticle electrodes presented well-defined, reproducible and sharp stripping signals.

Keywords: Bismuth oxide nanoparticles, Bismuth nanoparticles, Electrochemical reduction, Electrochemical sensor.