Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA)

Bismuth oxide nanoparticles can be manufactured using a simple gel to crystal conversion route at 80–100°C under refluxing conditions. The formation of Bi2O3 nanocrystallites can be confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The main applications of bismuth oxide nanoparticles are electrochemical applications, such as in the electrolyte or cathode of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), in bio-medical and cancer imaging and for other photoconductive characteristics in thin films.

Bismuth oxide as a component finds use in wide applications in varistors, catalyst and gas sensors. Bi2O3 exhibits the highest ion conductivity of all oxide ion conductors. Bi2O3 is an advanced functional material with potential applications such as functional electronic material, burning rate catalyst, photocataytic decomposition material, optical material, medical composite material and anti-radiative material. Bi2O3 is also used as an additive in paints among various applications; Bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) arouses increasing attentions as a photo catalyst over the last few years.

Bismuth is seen as the least toxic heavy metal for humans and is widely used in medical applications for its good antibacterial properties. Bismuth-containing pharmaceuticals are most commonly used in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori, the causative agent for diseases like gastritis, peptic ulcer and even gastric cancer. Bismuth use in pharmaceuticals included bismuth salicylate (the active ingredient in over-the-counter stomach remedies) and other bismuth medicinal compounds used to treat burns, intestinal disorders, and stomach ulcers in humans and animals.

The density difference between lead (density 11.32 g•cm−3) and bismuth (density 9.78 g•cm−3) is small enough that for many ballistics and weighting applications, bismuth can substitute for lead. For example, it can replace lead as a dense material in fishing sinkers. It has been used as a replacement for lead in shot, bullets and less-lethal riot gun ammunition.

Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) is occasionally used in cosmetics, as a pigment in paint for eye shadows, hair sprays and nail polishes. This compound is found as the mineral bismoclite and in crystal form contains layers of atoms that refract light chromatically, resulting in an iridescent appearance similar to nacre of pearl. It is this pearlescent quality that renders its suitable for use in cosmetics.