Method for the Growth and Stabilization of Rare Earth Nano-Particles*

We are developing a process to produce rare-earth nano-particles, (NPs), to study how quantum confinement affects the magnetic and electrical properties of rare-earth metals. The primary obstacle to producing and stabilizing rare-earth NPs is the reactive nature of rare-earth elements, which have an oxidation potential around -2 V or higher. Rare-earth elements require a strong reducing agent to form from an oxidized state, and are oxidized by common materials such as moisture and oxygen in the air.
For forming the NPs we are testing the use of electride/alkalide solutions, since they are some of the strongest reducing agents and can overcome the high oxidation potential. 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 micelles.
Since last year we have improved our process by installing an oxygen sensor and drying our solvents with molecular sieves, allowing us to ensure an inert environment in our glovebox. From observing the products and byproducts in a recent growth, we can see there is an improvement over last year’s results.