Synthesis and electron holography studies of single crystalline nanostructures of clathrate-II phases K(x)Ge136 and Na(x)Si136.

Crystalline nanosized particles of clathrate-II phases K(x)Ge(136) and Na(x)Si(136) were obtained from a dispersion of alkali metal tetrelides in ionic liquids based on DTAC/AlCl(3), which were slowly heated to 120-180 °C. The nanoparticles are bullet-shaped with typical dimensions of about 40 nm in width and 140-200 nm in length. Detailed structure investigations using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and electron holography reveal the crystallinity and dense morphology of the clathrate nanorods.