Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
73680 | Microporous and Mesoporous Materials | 2013 | 4 Pages |
Gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) nanoparticles with very small size and narrow size distribution were synthesized by infiltration of Gd(NO3)3·6H2O as an oxide precursor into the pores of SBA-15 mesoporous silica using a wet-impregnation technique. High resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction show that during the hydrothermal treatment of the precursor at 550 °C, gadolinium oxide nanoparticles inside the silica pores are formed. Subsequent dissolution of the silica framework in aqueous NaOH resulted in well dispersed nanoparticles with an average diameter of 3.6 ± 0.9 nm. If GdCl3·6H2O is used as precursor, GdOCl is formed instead of Gd2O3. The Gd2O3 nanoparticles showed a weak antiferromagnetic behavior, as expected.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► SBA-15 mesoporous silica has been used to produce Gd2O3 nanoparticles. ► The Gd2O3 nanoparticles are very small with a narrow size distribution. ► The Gd2O3 nanoparticles showed a weak antiferromagnetic behavior.