Microwave Synthesis and Optical Properties of Uniform Nanorods and Nanoplates of Rare Earth Oxides.

We report on the rapid prodn., characterization, and spectral properties of uniform nanorods, nanowires, and nanoplates of rare earth oxides M2O3 (M = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy). The method developed, based on microwave irradn. (MWI), allows the control of the size and shape of the rare earth oxide nanostructures by varying the MWI reaction time and the relative concns. of the org. surfactants. The uniformity of the rods and of the wires is demonstrated in their spontaneous assembly into highly ordered 2D supercrystals. The MWI method provides a unique opportunity for the large-scale synthesis of rare earth nanostructures without suffering thermal gradient effects.