Bismuth (Bi, CAS No. 7440-69-9), a post-transition metal, has gained significant attention as a sustainable alternative to toxic heavy metal catalysts (e.g., lead, mercury) due to its low toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and unique catalytic properties.
Recent advances in modifying bismuth catalysts through doping, nanostructuring, and support interactions have enhanced their activity, selectivity, and stability in various chemical reactions.
This review comprehensively discusses the synthesis methods, characterization techniques, and applications of modified bismuth catalysts (including bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃, CAS No. 1304-76-3), bismuth nitrate (Bi(NO₃)₃, CAS No. 10361-44-1), and bismuth subsalicylate (C₇H₅BiO₄, CAS No. 14882-18-9)) in organic transformations, environmental remediation, and energy conversion.
Special emphasis is placed on mechanistic insights, sustainability aspects, and future research directions.
CAS No. 7440-69-9
Bismuth catalyst, heterogeneous catalysis, green chemistry, doping, photocatalysis
Introduction
Bismuth (Bi, CAS No. 7440-69-9; synonyms: Bismuthum, Etain de Glace) is a post-transition metal with unique catalytic properties, making it an attractive alternative to toxic heavy metals like lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg).
Modified bismuth catalysts, including bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃, CAS No. 1304-76-3; synonyms: Bismuth trioxide, Bismuth(III) oxide), bismuth nitrate (Bi(NO₃)₃, CAS No. 10361-44-1; synonyms: Bismuth trinitrate), and bismuth subsalicylate (C₇H₅BiO₄, CAS No. 14882-18-9; synonyms: Pepto-Bismol), have been extensively studied for their tunable electronic and structural properties.
This article reviews recent progress in the design, synthesis, and application of modified Bi catalysts in sustainable chemistry.
Properties of Bismuth in Catalysis
Low toxicity (compared to Pb, Cd)
Lewis acidity (facilitates substrate activation)
Redox activity (Bi³⁺/Bi⁵⁺ transitions)
Thermal and chemical stability
Common Bismuth Compounds in Catalysis
Compound CAS No. Synonyms
Bismuth 7440-69-9 Bismuthum, Etain de Glace
Bismuth(III) oxide 1304-76-3 Bismuth trioxide, Bi₂O₃
Bismuth nitrate 10361-44-1 Bismuth trinitrate, Bi(NO₃)₃
Bismuth subsalicylate 14882-18-9 Pepto-Bismol, C₇H₅BiO₄
Bismuth chloride 7787-60-2 Bismuth trichloride, BiCl₃
Bismuth sulfide 1345-07-9 Bismuthinite, Bi₂S₃
Synthesis Methods for Modified Bismuth Catalysts
Doping with Transition Metals
Co-doping (Fe, Cu, Ni) enhances redox properties.
Rare-earth doping (La, Ce) improves oxygen mobility.
Nanostructured Bismuth Catalysts
Bi₂O₃ nanoparticles (CAS No. 1304-76-3) for high surface area.
Bi-based perovskites (e.g., BiFeO₃, CAS No. 12010-42-1) for photocatalysis.
Supported Bismuth Catalysts
Zeolite-supported Bi (e.g., Bi/ZSM-5) for shape-selective catalysis.
Carbon-supported Bi (e.g., Bi/graphene) for electrochemical applications.
Characterization Techniques
XRD: Confirms crystallinity and phase purity.
XPS: Analyzes oxidation states (Bi³⁺ vs. Bi⁵⁺).
TEM: Reveals morphology and particle size.
Mechanisms of Catalysis
Acid-base catalysis: Bi³⁺ activates carbonyl groups.
Photocatalysis: BiVO₄ (CAS No. 14059-33-7) promotes water oxidation under light.
Applications
Organic Synthesis
Knoevenagel condensation using Bi₂O₃/SiO₂.
Selective oxidation of alcohols with Bi-Pd alloys.
Environmental Remediation
NOx reduction using Bi-Ce-TiO₂.
Photodegradation of dyes (BiOI nanosheets, CAS No. 12010-42-1).
Energy Conversion
CO₂-to-formate conversion on Bi electrodes.
Water splitting via Bi-based perovskites.
Sustainability Aspects
Low leaching of Bi ensures recyclability.
Non-toxic byproducts align with green chemistry.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Improving long-term stability.
Scalable synthesis methods.
Exploring Bi-MOFs (Metal-Organic Frameworks) for catalysis.
Conclusion
Modified bismuth catalysts offer a sustainable alternative in catalysis, with applications ranging from organic synthesis to energy conversion.
Future research should focus on mechanistic studies and industrial scalability.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT MODIFIED BISMUTH CATALYST
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off conSAFETYtaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product