Composite-hydroxide-mediated approach for the synthesis of nanostructures of complex functional-oxides.

We demonstrate a generic approach for the synthesis of single-crystal complex oxide nanostructures of various structure types, such as perovskites, spinels, monoclinic, corundum, CaF(2) structured, tetragonal, and even metal hydroxides. The method is based on a reaction between a metallic salt and a metallic oxide in a solution of composite-hydroxide eutectic at approximately 200 degrees C and normal atmosphere without using an organic dispersant or capping agent. The synthesis technique is cost-effective, one-step, easy to control, and is performed at low temperature and normal atomospheric pressure. The technique can be expanded to many material systems, and it provides a general, simple, convenient, and innovative strategy for the synthesis of nanostructures of complex oxides with important scientific and technological applications in ferroelectricity, ferromagnetism, colossal magnetoresistance, fuel cell, optics, and more.