Method for the Growth and Stabilization of Rare Earth Nano-Particles
POSTER
Abstract
We are developing a process to create rare-earth metal (REM), nanoparticles (NPs), to the end of studying their magnetic and electrical properties. The large redox potential of REMs hinders the formation and stabilization of these NPs, requiring: a strong reducing agent to form the NPs, and their protection from ambient conditions.
Firstly, the ease and efficacy of several organo-metallic reduction compounds, with sodium as an electron source, were compared: 15-crown-5, Benzophenone (anion and dianion), and naphthalene; with naphthalene showing to be the most consistent and convenient due to its: relatively high reduction potential, stability, and singly reduced state.
Secondly, we then compared methods of passivating the NPs; this consisted of looking at the relative stability of NPs using combinations of: ligation with 1-octylamine. Preliminary observations indicate ligation alone provides little protection from oxidation for the pure REM NPs, and is only able to prevent agglomeration.
Firstly, the ease and efficacy of several organo-metallic reduction compounds, with sodium as an electron source, were compared: 15-crown-5, Benzophenone (anion and dianion), and naphthalene; with naphthalene showing to be the most consistent and convenient due to its: relatively high reduction potential, stability, and singly reduced state.
Secondly, we then compared methods of passivating the NPs; this consisted of looking at the relative stability of NPs using combinations of: ligation with 1-octylamine. Preliminary observations indicate ligation alone provides little protection from oxidation for the pure REM NPs, and is only able to prevent agglomeration.
Presenters
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Patrick Talbot
California State University, Fresno
Authors
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Patrick Talbot
California State University, Fresno
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Pei-Chun Ho
Department of Physics, California State University, Fresno, Fresno, CA 93740, California State University, Fresno, Physics, California State University, Fresno, Department of Physics, California State University, Fresno, CA 93740, USA.