Abstract

The role of templating sulfate anions in the hydrothermal formation of nanowires from Bi2O3 and K2SO4 is critically discussed on the basis of X-ray diffraction patterns, electron microscopy studies and ion exchange experiments. Thorough analytical investigations of the obtained nanowires together with mechanistic information from in situ studies indicate that sulfate ions are structurally incorporated into the product, thereby transforming the bismuth oxide precursors into a new material. We present an in-depth analysis of structural data in order to point out potential pitfalls of inorganic additives as templates in solution.