A novel solvothermal route to benzene ring-capped oxide nanocrystals

A novel solvothermal synthesis based on the reaction between nitrate and benzene for metal oxide nanocrystals including ZrO2 and SnO2 is introduced. The as-prepared nanocrystals are characterized by TEM, XRD and IR techniques in detail, and the possible mechanism of this solvothermal reaction is discussed. Benzene molecules used as capping agent, instead of long-carbon chain molecules, are chemically adsorbed to the surface of the as-prepared oxide nanocrystals, making nanocrystals with long-term stability and good dispersibility in hydrocarbons.