Photochemical Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Samarium Oxide Nanoparticles: Toward a Heterogeneous Brønsted Acid Catalyst

Samarium oxide nanoparticles (Sm2O3NP) were prepared photochemically for the first time. Characterization shows spherical, polydisperse Sm2O3NP stabilized by 4-HEBA, a substituted benzoic acid. The Sm2O3NP also possess Brønsted acidity. This new material may prove to be a potent heterogeneous acid catalyst.