Large‐Scale Controllable Synthesis and Characterization of Ytterbium Silicate Nanostructures

Large‐scale synthesis of ytterbium silicate (Yb ₂ SiO ₅ ) nanoparticles and nanorods has been realized by a facile molten‐salt approach. The synthesized products were structurally and morphologically characterized by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high‐resolution TEM. Our results revealed that the morphologies of Yb ₂ SiO ₅ products can be readily controlled by a simple variation of the reactants used for the molten‐salt reaction. Single‐crystalline Yb ₂ SiO ₅ nanorods with a high yield can be obtained using NP‐7.5 as a surfactant. The formation mechanism of Yb ₂ SiO ₅ nanostructures was also discussed. The method presented here for the synthesis of Yb ₂ SiO ₅ nanostructures may pave the way for their application as environmental barrier coating materials.