HF-Free synthesis of colloidal Cs2ZrF6 and (NH4)2ZrF6 nanocrystals†
Abstract
A solution-phase synthesis of colloidally stable A2BF6 nanocrystals is reported for the first time, focusing on A+ = Cs+, NH4+ and B4+ = Zr4+. Handling hypertoxic HF is avoided by using NH4F and a low-boiling-point alcohol, representing the first synthesis of any A2BF6 nanocrystals without HF addition. The chemical incompatability of Zr4+ with other common fluoride sources is discussed.