Fullerene-like Cs_2O nanoparticles generated by concentrated sunlight

摘要

We report the rapid high-yield generation of inorganic fullerene-like cesium oxide (IF-Cs_2O) nanoparticles, activated by highly concentrated sunlight. The solar process represents an alternative to the only reported method for synthesizing IF-Cs_2O nanostructures: laser ablation. IF-CS_2O formed at solar irradiation ≥6W, confirmed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. These closed-cage Cs_2O nanostructures are stable under electron microscope conditions, and also when exposed temporarily to air - of significance for their use in a variety of photonic devices.