Self-assembly of ultra-thin lanthanide oxide nanowires via surfactant-mediated imperfect oriented attachment of nanoparticles

We report a simple synthesis of ultra-thin lanthanide oxide nanowires and ribbons via the autoclave-based decomposition of lanthanide oleates within passivating surfactants. Electron microscopy reveals the formation of linear self assemblies of lanthanide oxide nanoparticles that subsequently recrystallize into high aspect ratio materials via an “imperfect oriented attachment” mechanism.