Issue |
J. Phys. IV France
Volume 12, Number 4, June 2002
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Page(s) | 1 - 8 | |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/jp4:20020070 |
J. Phys. IV France 12 (2002) Pr4-1
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:20020070
Molecular ways to nanoscale particles and films
H. Shen and S. MathurInstitute of Inorganic Chemistry, Saarland University, 66041 Saarbruecken, Germany
Abstract
Chemical routes for the synthesis of nanoparticles and films are proving to be highly efficient and versatile in tailoring
the elemental combination and intrinsic properties of the target materials. The use of molecular compounds allows a controlled
interaction of atoms or molecules, when compared to the solid-state methods, resulting in the formation of compositionally
homogeneous deposits or uniform solid particles. Assembling all the elements forming the material in a single molecular compound,
the so-called single-source approach augments the formation of nanocrystalline phases at low temperatures with atomically
precise structures. To this end, we have shown that predefined reaction (decomposition) chemistry of precursors enforces a
molecular level homogeneity in the obtained materials. Following the single-step conversions of appropriate molecular sources,
we have obtained films and nanoparticles of oxides (Fe
3O
4, BaTiO
3, ZnAl
2O
4, CoAl
2O
4), metal/oxide composites (Ge/GeO
2) and ceramic-ceramic composites (LnAIO
3/AI
2O
3; Ln
= Pr, Nd). For a comparative evaluation, CoAl
2O
4 nanoparticles were prepared by both single- and multi-component routes; whereas the single-source approach yielded monophasic
high purity spinels, phase contamination, due to monometal phases, was observed in the ceramic obtained from multicomponent
mixture. An account of the size-controlled synthesis and characterisation of the new ceramics and composites is presented.
© EDP Sciences 2002