Lanthanum Trifluoride (LaF3) Nanoparticles

Lanthanum trifluoride (LaF₃) nanoparticles are found in white powder form. This material is a refractory ionic compound with a rhombohedral or hexagonal crystal structure. Its high melting point is around 1490°C. LaF₃ nanoparticles have attracted attention especially for their optical properties including wide spectral transparency window, large bandgap, and low phonon energies. These optical properties are utilized in UV optical properties, luminescent materials, optical amplification, lasing devices, and mirrors. Lanthanum trifluoride nanoparticles are also used as environmentally friendly and inexpensive fillers in lubricant coatings to enhance the wear resistance and load-bearing capacity. Lanthanum fluoride exhibits high ionic conductivity at ambient temperatures among other rare earth fluorides. The high chemical stability and high ionic conductivity of lanthanum fluoride-based chemical sensors have been applied for sensing fluoride, oxygen and carbon monoxide. Moreover, these sensing properties of LaF₃ are utilized in biosensors as well.