Synthesis of RE(OH)2Cl and REOCl (RE=Eu, Tb) nanostructures

Anisotropic structures, nanoneedles, and nanospindles of rare earth hydroxychloride (RE(OH)(2)Cl) and oxychloride (REOCl) (rare earth=Eu and Th) were synthesized. The rare earth hydroxychloride nanostructures were formed via a thermally assisted hydrolysis of the rare-earth sesquioxide nanocrystals. The morphological evolution of the nanostructures was studied using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, while the structural evolution was investigated using X-ray diffraction techniques. The thermal stability of the rare earth hydroxychlorides was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis. The rare earth oxychloride nanospindles were synthesized via a simple heat-treatment of rare earth hydroxychloride nanospindles.