Simple one-step preparation of cerium trifluoride nanoparticles

Cerium trifluoride have great potential in material applications for luminescent materials, composite materials or ionic conductors especially in the form of nanoparticles and nanoobjects. In this work, nanoparticles of CeF3 were prepared by simple one pot reaction of ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (bmimPF6) with CeO2 and by reaction of CeO2 with KPF6 in ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (bmimCl). Prepared nanoparticles were analyzed by XRD and SEM analysis. Average diameter of prepared nanoparticles resulting from Sherrer formula is 12 nm. Nanoparticles did not form ordered agglomerates and could be used in the form of separate nanoparticles which are desired in some applications.

Nanoparticles of CeF3 were prepared by simple one pot reaction of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate with CeO2 and by reaction of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride and KPF6 with CeO2. Prepared nanoparticles were analyzed by XRD and SEM analysis. Average diameter of prepared nanoparticles resulting from Sherrer formula is 12 nm. Nanoparticles did not form ordered agglomerates and could be used in the form of separate nanoparticles which desired in some applications. Size of CeF3 nanoparticles is independent on size of CeO2.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Small separable CeF3 nanoparticles with average diameter 12 nm.
► One pot simple reaction of ionic liquid bmimPF6 and CeO2 in the Teflon tube.
► Ionic liquid could be regenerated by new KPF6 after reaction.
► Nanoparticles did not form ordered agglomerates and could be easily separated.