Polyol-mediated synthesis of nanoscale functional materials

The features and characteristics of the so-called polyol method with regard to a preparation of nanoscale compounds and nanoscale functional materials are summarised. As an example, the polyol-mediated synthesis of several types of phosphor host lattice materials is presented on the nanoscale. This includes: Y2O3, LaPO4, Sr5(PO4)3Cl, YVO4, Zn2SiO4, and ZnS. In addition, the preparation of γ-Fe2O3 as a magnetic pigment, 10 to 100 nm in diameter is discussed. Based on the magnetic characterisation, suspensions of γ-Fe2O3 particles in diethylene glycol, with diameters up to 40 nm show super-paramagnetic properties.