Synthesis and Characterization of Rare-Earth Nanoparticles using an Organometallic Reduction Solution and 1-Octylamine Ligand

We are developing a method for the production of rare-earth (RE) nanoparticles, (NPs). A reliable production method will ease future investigation of emergent electrical and magnetic properties that may arise when applying quantum confinement to rare-earth metals. New properties may allow for advances in magnetic imaging, magnetic information storage, and magnetic refrigeration. The primary obstacle to producing and stabilizing RE NPs is the reactive nature of RE elements, which have an oxidation potential around -2 V or greater, requiring a strong reducing agent to form from an oxidized state, and oxidizing under ambient conditions. For forming the NPs we are testing the use of electride, alkalide, and organometallic solutions, since they are some of the strongest reducing agents available. As for the stabilization and protection of the NPs, we are interested in using ligands since they bond to the surface of the NP, possibly providing a more effective barrier compared to the use of micelles. For analysis we will use; x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive x-rays (EDX) techniques.