Investigation of Structural, Photoelectrochemical, Magnetic and Catalytic Properties of LaSrNiO ₄ , LaSrCuO ₄ , LaSrCoO ₄ Nanoparticles Synthesised by Reverse Micellar Route

Abstract LaSrCoO 4 , LaSrNiO 4 and LaSrCuO 4 were synthesised by the reverse micellar route by using three different microemulsion compositions. The as prepared nanostructures were characterised by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The PXRD of all samples indicate pure phases which crystallize into a tetragonal system. The particle size and shape of nanoparticles varies with microemulsion system. Magnetisation studies suggested that two of the LaSrCoO 4 samples display canted antiferromagnetism while the others showed no sign of long‐range ordering. The LaSrNiO 4 and LaSrCuO 4 samples seemed to show spin glass behaviour. Some of these materials were successfully used as catalysts for organic transformations. The esterification of aldehydes in the presence of alkyl halides and alcohols has been made mild and practicable with a copper catalysed TBHP/DTBP promoting reaction. This approach is suitable to a wide variety of aldehydes, including those that are notoriously difficult to convert through the C(sp 2 )−H bond scission to produce the required esters in good to outstanding yield.