Synthesis of colloids and films of Pr, Er and Yb with nonaqueous solvents

Colloidal dispersions of Yb, Er and Pr have been prepared by chemical liquid deposition. The metals were cocondensed at 77 K with 2-methoxyethanol and ethanol to produce solvated metal atoms. The particle size of the dispersions was determined by transmission electron microscopy to range from 52 to 1080 Å; the particles had spherical shapes. After solvent evaporation under vacuum, active solids and amorphous powder were deposited over Cu and Al metal. Dispersion stability, particle size, UV/Vis absorption and zeta potential were studied. The solids prepared by solvent evaporation were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The films prepared on Al were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The most stable colloid was obtained using 2-methoxyethanol: several concentrations were stable for several months and the zeta potential indicated that this colloid stability is mainly due to solvation effects. FTIR spectroscopy of the solids indicated solvent incorporation in the film. This observation was corroborated by thermal analysis. Information on the thermal stability of the films was obtained by TGA. The UV/Vis absorption spectrum was measured at several concentrations under different conditions.