Patent ID: 7118727

Claim:
A process for producing particles, comprising mixing, in a substantially water-free environment, a) at least one metal compound of the formula MX (m−n) , wherein M is an electropositive element of Groups 1–15, each X is independently selected from the group consisting of O 1/2 , F, Cl, Br, I, OR, O 2 CR, NR 2 , and R, each R is independently a hydrocarbyl group, n is equal to ½ the oxidation state of the metal M in the product particle, and m is equal to the oxidation state of M in the compound MX (m−n) , b) at least one surfactant, and c) at least one solvent, wherein the mixture is thermally treated for a time sufficient to convert the at least one metal compound into particles of the corresponding oxide having sizes in a range between about 0.5 nanometer and about 1000 nanometers.