Bi

Bismuth · Bi

Bismuth is a stable, semimetallic element widely recognized for its unique electronic properties and diverse structural configurations.

Bi
Crystal structure of Bi
Ground-state structure · Materials Project
Overview

About Bismuth

Bismuth is a naturally occurring element that exists as a thermodynamically stable solid. Its distinct electronic character, often described as a semimetal or narrow-gap semiconductor, makes it a subject of significant interest for researchers investigating quantum transport and thermoelectric phenomena.

With a vast array of reported structural configurations across multiple databases, this element is one of the most thoroughly characterized materials in its category. Its stability and physical properties allow it to serve as a foundational material for various electronic and metallurgical applications.

At a glance

Key Properties

Cross-validated computational properties for Bismuth, aggregated across 5 databases.

Band Gap

0.07–1.50 eV
Range across DFT structures

Energy Above Hull

0.000 eV/atom
Best (lowest) across sources

Stability

On hull (stable)
3 DFT sources

Structures

79
5 databases, 16 space groups
Validation

Cross-Source DFT Agreement

How well independent DFT databases agree on the thermodynamics of Bi. Tight agreement means computed properties can be trusted without re-running calculations.

Agreement Score

1.00 / 1.00
Trust tier: high

Hull Spread

0.000 eV
EAH spread across sources

Sources Compared

3
jarvis, materials_project, nomad

Space Group Consensus

All match
Synthesis

Synthesis Routes

Literature-extracted synthesis procedures targeting Bi.

Sol Gel
Procedure available · ceder_sol_gel
Sol Gel
Procedure available · ceder_sol_gel
Sol Gel
Procedure available · ceder_sol_gel
Sol Gel
Procedure available · ceder_sol_gel
Sol Gel
Procedure available · ceder_sol_gel
Sol Gel
Procedure available · ceder_sol_gel
Uses

Applications

Where Bismuth is used.

Thermoelectric devicesLow-melting-point alloysPharmaceutical compoundsCosmetic pigmentsRadiation shielding
Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Bismuth, answered from cross-validated data.

What is Bi?

Bismuth is a stable, semimetallic element widely recognized for its unique electronic properties and diverse structural configurations.

More questions
What is Bi used for?
Bismuth (Bi) is used in thermoelectric devices, low-melting-point alloys, pharmaceutical compounds, cosmetic pigments, and radiation shielding.
What is the band gap of Bi?
Bismuth (Bi) has a DFT-computed band gap of 0.07–1.50 eV across 79 reported structures.
Is Bi a metal, semiconductor, or insulator?
With a band gap up to 1.50 eV it is a semiconductor.
Is Bi thermodynamically stable?
Yes — Bismuth (Bi) sits on the convex hull (energy above hull 0 eV/atom), i.e. on hull (stable).
How many polymorphs of Bi are known?
79 structures of Bi are reported across 5 databases, spanning 16 distinct space groups.
How is Bi synthesized?
Literature-reported routes for Bi include sol gel (10 procedures documented).
What elements does Bi contain?
Bismuth (Bi) contains Bi (1 element).
Where does the data for Bi come from?
Bi data is cross-referenced from latticegraph.
Comparison

How It Compares

As a singular elemental material, Bismuth stands as a primary reference point for semimetallic behavior in solid-state physics, providing a baseline for understanding how structural arrangements influence electronic transport properties in heavy elements.

Data sources & attribution
  • latticegraph — Lattice Graph Materials Intelligence Platform

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