Praseodymium Oxide Nanoparticles

Amongst the different phases of praseodymium oxides, the β phase (Pr₆O₁₁) is the most stable under ambient temperature and pressure. Pr₆O₁₁ has a face-centered cubic crystal structure with a dark brown appearance. This material has a high conductivity that increases up to 1.40 S/cm with increasing temperature (850°C), a high dielectric constant (κ≈26–30), a large bandgap (3.9 eV), high electron affinity (0.962±0.024 eV). The melting point of praseodymium oxide is known to be 2183°C while its melting point is 3760°C. Pr₆O₁₁ nanoparticles have attracted attention due to the above mentioned chemical and physical properties. The catalytic activity of praseodymium oxide is utilized as catalysts in the decomposition of different organic materials such as methanol and ethanol, as promoters in oxidation reactions. Other application areas of Pr₆O₁₁ are oxygen storage systems, sensors, high-temperature pigments, optical devices, and high electrical conductivity materials.