Liquid-Phase Synthesis of Highly Reactive Rare-Earth Metal Nanoparticles

The first liquid-phase synthesis of high-quality, small-sized rare-earth metal nanoparticles (1-3 nm)-ranging from lanthanum as one of the largest (187 pm) to scandium as the smallest (161 pm) rare-earth metal-is shown. Size, oxidation state, and reactivity of the nanoparticles are examined (e.g., electron microscopy, electron spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, selected reactions). Whereas the nanoparticles are highly reactive (e.g. in contact to air and water), they are chemically stable as THF suspensions and powders under inert conditions. The reactivity can be controlled to obtain inorganic and metal-organic compounds at room temperature.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates the first liquid-phase synthesis of high-quality, small-sized rare-earth metal nanoparticles, which exhibit both high reactivity and chemical stability under inert conditions. The reactivity of the nanoparticles can be controlled to achieve reactions at room temperature, leading to the formation of inorganic and metal-organic compounds.