Synthesis of germanium dioxide nanoparticles in benzyl alcohols – a comparison

The surfactant-free synthesis of β-phase germanium dioxide nanoparticles in -methoxy benzyl alcohol and benzyl alcohol has been reported. Characterisation of the hexagonal β-GeO crystals, which involves powder X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption measurements (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method), dynamic light scattering measurements, IR spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis has been presented. Synthesis of β-GeO under ambient conditions in benzyl alcohol results in nanoparticles with diameters below 20 nm, whereas the synthesis under inert conditions in benzyl alcohol at reflux (205°C) gives larger nanoparticles. In -methoxy benzyl alcohol, agglomerates with particle sizes above 100 nm are observed under inert atmosphere conditions at room temperature.