Synthetic control of metal oxide nanocrystal sizes and shapes

by Peng, Xiaogang; Chen, Yongfen; Jana, Nikhil; Narayanaswamy, Arun

A general, reproducible, and simple synthetic method for the production of metal oxide nanocrystals employs readily available chems., permits control of the size, shape, and size distribution of metal oxide nanocrystals. The synthesis entails reacting a metal fatty acid salt, the corresponding fatty acid, and a hydrocarbon solvent, with the reaction product being pyrolyzed to the metal oxide. Nearly monodisperse oxide nanocrystals of Fe3O4, Cr2O3, MnO, Co3O4, NiO, ZnO, SnO2, and In2O3, in a large size range (3-50 nm), are described. Size and shape control of the nanocrystals is achieved by varying the reactivity and concentration of the precursors.

Patent Number
USUS2006211152 A1 2006-09-21
Application Number
B2
Publication Year
2009
URL
https://scholarworks.uark.edu/pat/91