By combining particle lithography with organosilane chemistry, we have developed a method to prepare nanosized reaction vessels to provide containers for surface-directed synthesis of individual nanoparticles. This approach provides a means to control the size and arrangement of nanoparticles without the use of surfactants. The obvious problem with synthesis of materials containing rare earth elements is that very high temperatures (800-1200oC) are required for preparing nanocrystals. Although larger macroscopic crystals can be prepared in ovens using inert environments, these cannot be easily formed or molded into desired small shapes and geometries. A methyl-terminated self-assembled monolayer (octadecyltrichlorosilane, OTS) was used as a patterned resist to deposit a solution of rare earth precursor salts. Nanoholes within OTS were used as nanoscopic vessels to confine the liquid precursor solution during synthesis. The organosilane template was removed by heat treatment; however, the salt residues were converted to rare earth oxide nanoparticles. The fabrication process was characterized using atomic force microscopy to evaluate surface changes throughout the steps of the reaction. Images were acquired of the nanoscale reaction vessels, after addition of the precursor solution, and after heating the samples. Rare earth oxide nanomaterials have useful properties such as upconversion, catalysis, and magnetism. For applications as displays, optical filters, or for use in miniature electronics, the nanoparticles must be prepared with defined size and be strategically arranged as surface arrays. 

Nanoscale siloxane reaction vessels for surface-directed synthesis of rare earth oxide nanoparticles

247th National Meeting (2014)

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