Synthesis of Core-Shell CeO2/CeF3 Nanoparticles Using Tetrafluoroethane R-134a

Abstract

In this paper, we report the synthesis, characterization, and optical properties of core-shell CeO2/CeF3 nanoparticles. Fabrication of these composite nanoparticles was carried out by fluorination of CeO2 nanoparticles with tetrafluoroethane R-134a gas at high temperatures (800–1200 °C) in a special vacuum furnace with a tubular graphite heater. The obtained X-ray diffraction spectra (XRD) and luminescence measurements confirm the formation of composite CeO2/CeF3 nanoparticles. Simulation of XRD spectra and calculation of lattice parameters were carried out. A proposed method of synthesis can be used for other rare-earth oxide nanoparticles to fabricate core-shell oxyfluoride nanosized composites that combine the properties of oxide and fluoride nanoparticles.