Synthesis of germanium sols via thermal decomposition of gaseous germane

A new approach to the synthesis of colloidal Ge nanoparticles in high-boiling solvent via thermal decomposition of germane is presented. Obtained products were analyzed by XRD, XRF, TEM, absorption spectrophotometry, Raman IR and PL spectroscopy. Ge nanoparticles have mean sizes about 4–5 nm, are apparently amorphous and nonspherical.