Fast, microwave-assisted synthesis of monodisperse HfO2 nanoparticles

A conventional solvothermal synthesis was compared to a microwave-assisted method for the synthesis of HfO2 nanoparticles. In a microwave, the reaction could be completed in 3 h, compared to 3 days in an autoclave. In the microwave synthesis, the ensemble of particles was found to have a better size dispersion and a smaller average size (4 nm). The reaction mechanism was investigated and proof for an ether elimination process was provided. Post-synthetic modification with dopamine or dodecanoic acid permitted the suspension of the synthesized particles in both polar and apolar solvents, which is an advantage for further processing.