Preparation and structural characterization of stable Cs₂O closed-cage structures

(Figure Presented) Fullerene-like Cs₂O nanoparticles were prepared by laser ablation of 3R-Cs₂O powder in evacuated quartz ampoules. The Cs₂O closed cages, such as the faceted nanoparticle shown in the picture, are remarkably stable as compared with the corresponding extremely unstable but technically important bulk compound, which makes them potentially useful in applications involving cesium oxide coatings, for example, photoemissive devices and catalytic converters.