AI Article Synopsis
- The research explores a method for creating nanostructures from a metal boride using strontium boride (SrB) as the focus.
- The process involves two main steps: first, lithiation with n-butyllithium to form an intermediate, followed by reacting this intermediate with water to produce nanoparticles.
- Characterization techniques confirmed the structure of the intermediate and the resulting nanoparticles, highlighting the potential for new ways to modify metal borides in solution.
Article Abstract
We describe the top-down nanostructuring of a metal boride using SrB as an example. To accomplish this transformation, we demonstrate (1) the direct lithiation of a metal boride using n-butyllithium and then (2) the reactive disassembly of Li-SrB into nanoparticles using water. The identity of the Li-SrB intermediate, a mixture of LiB, LiSrB, and SrB phases, was established by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), solid-state B and Li NMR, transmission electron microscopy, selected-area electron diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The necessary 2Li/Sr substitution is enabled by cation mobility within the hexaboride lattice. The subsequent reaction with water results in LiB decomposition and the release of <100 nm SrB nanoparticles, which were characterized by PXRD, solid-state B and Li NMR, and high-resolution TEM. This chemistry opens new solution-based modification and processing options for metal borides.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.7b02460 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!