Electrochemical deposition under oxidizing conditions (EDOC): A new synthesis for nanocrystalline metal oxides

EDOC (Electrochemical Deposition under Oxidizing Conditions) is a new method for the electrochemical preparation of metal oxide nanoparticles. It is based on the reduction of metal ions; Coming from a sacrificial anode; In a non-aqueous medium. The formed metal clusters are immediately coated with stabilizers; Which prevent the particles from agglomeration and realize the nanocrystalline state. Thus we have prepared numerous amorphous and crystalline metal oxides; Mixed oxides and oxide mixtures (ZnO; Mn3O4, CuO; Fe2O3, SnO2, In2O3, ZrO2, NiO; Co3O4, CoFe2O4, In2O3/SnO2 etc.) in the nanometre range with narrow particle size distribution (sigma = 1.15-1.4). (C) 2001 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.