Synthesis of Thorium Dioxide Nanocrystals by Pyrolysis of a Thorium‐based Metal‐organic Framework

A new method is demonstrated for synthesizing thorium dioxide (ThO2) nanoparticles (NPs) by thermal decomposition of an undiscovered thorium-based metal-organic framework (MOF). Upon heating at 520 degrees C, the thorium-based MOF crystals, designated Th-MTB, are converted completely to ThO2 NPs with an average size of 150 nm. The MOF-derived ThO2 NPs are easily sintered to form ThO2 ceramics which have good thermal conductivity. The crystalline grains of ThO2 grow continuously during sintering.The method for the synthesis of ThO2 NPs could have potential applications in the production of nuclear materials.