Colloidal Germanium Nanoparticles and Nanocubes Synthesized by Chemical Liquid Deposition

In this work, both germanium colloids and nanoparticles (Ge-Coll and Ge-Nps) were synthesized by Chemical Liquid Deposition (CLD). Colloids and nanoparticles were characterized by: FTIR, HRTEM, SAED, Light Scattering and electrophoretic mobility measurements. TEM images revealed a narrow particle size distribution with values of 4.2, 5.4 and 10 nm for Ge-Nps-2-propanol, Ge-Nps-THF and Ge-Nps-acetone, respectively. UV spectra showed absorption bands of nanoparticle plasmons, blue-shift effects by quantum size effects and plasmon aggregation bands at 272 and 279 nm. Fractal aggregates growth along time was carried out by light scattering and zeta potential measurements. Electrophoretic mobility showed that nanoparticles had negative charge and FTIR spectroscopy revealed that the interaction of Ge surface with the solvent produces a double bond (Ge=C), moreover varying the synthesis parameters (nucleation time and colloid concentration), Germanium nanocubes (Ge-Ncb) can be obtained. Studies on colloid stability, particles aggregation along time and thermal stability are also discussed.