XAS/EXAFS studies of Ge nanoparticles produced by reaction between Mg2Ge and GeCl4

We present results of an XAS and EXAFS study of the synthesis of Ge nanoparticles formed by a metathesis reaction between Mg2Ge and GeCl4 in diglyme (diethylene glycol dimethyl ether). The progress of the formation reaction and the products formed at various stages in the processing was characterised by TEM and optical spectroscopy as well as in situ XAS/EXAFS studies using specially designed reaction cells. - Graphical abstract: Nano-Ge particles 2-10 nm in diameter were prepared by reaction between Mg2Ge Zintl phase and GeCl4 in diglyme followed by capping with BuLi and extraction into hexane. We used synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at the Ge K edge with analysis of the EXAFS region combined with room temperature photoluminescence and TEM to characterise the nature of the nanoparticles and model compounds and to follow the course of the reaction. A TEM image of the germanium nanoparticles is shown. Highlights: → In situ characteristaion of germanium nanoparticles. → X-ray spectroscopic technique development. → Improving quality of nanoparticles grown by metathesis route.