Lanthanide Oxide Nanoparticles and their Nanocomposites

15.02.2005 - 31.01.2009
Research funding project
Metal oxide nanoparticles represent one of the most interesting material classes within the nanometer size regime because of their unique optic, electronic, or magnetic properties. While many colloids of metal oxides of the main group and transition metal elements were already systematically investigated, the lanthanide oxides represent a nearly unexplored field. This is contrary to expectations that are based on the specific properties of these systems which promise unique functions on the nanometer scale. Goal of this project is the investigation of different methods for the formation of organically surface-functionalized nanoparticles. The major challenges to deal with are the control over the size, the size distribution, and the surface functionality of these particles. Within the project various routes for the preparation of the particles will be compared with a special focus on structure-property relationships. New insights into the growing mechanisms of nanoparticles are expected due to the advantageous spectroscopic properties of lanthanides. One of the targets is to tailor the surface structure and character of the lanthanide oxide core to induce additional properties to the entire inorganic-organic core-shell system. Furthermore, nanocomposites will be prepared by incorporation of the nanoparticles in various organic polymer matrices, which is of fundamental interest for future applications in electronics, optics or for magnetic or sensing devices.

People

Project leader

Project personnel

Institute

Grant funds

  • FWF - Österr. Wissenschaftsfonds (National) Austrian Science Fund (FWF)

Research focus

  • Non-metallic Materials: 20%
  • Composite Materials: 70%
  • Materials Characterization: 10%

Keywords

GermanEnglish
Nanokompositenanocomposites
NanopartikelNanoparticles
Metalloxidemetal oxides
Sol-Gel Prozesssol-gel processing
PolymerePolymers

Publications