May 8 2013
Nanoparticle research has uncovered a number of unexpected properties of basic elements by altering the physical properties of basic elements. This article will elaborate on the properties and applications of lanthanum trifluoride nanoparticles.
Lanthanum trifluoride (LaF3) nanoparticles exhibit good physical and chemical stability. These particles can be dispersed in any kind of lubricating medium. Some of the other names by which these particles are known as are lanthanum fluoride and trifluorolanthanum. Lanthanum belongs to Block F, Period 6 while fluorine belongs to Block P, Period 2 of the periodic table.
Chemical Properties
The following tables list the chemical properties of lanthanum trifluoride nanoparticles.
| Chemical Data |
| Chemical symbol |
LaF3 |
| CAS No |
13709-38-1 |
| Group |
Lanthanum 3
Fluorine 17 |
| Electronic configuration |
Lanthanum [Xe] 5d1 6s2
Fluorine [He] 2s2 2p5 |
| Chemical Composition |
| Element |
Content (%) |
| Lanthanum |
70.90 |
| Fluorine |
29.08 |
Physical Properties
Lanthanum trifluoride nanoparticles appear in the form of white spherical metal particles having a high specific area. The table below provides the physical properties of these nanoparticles.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
5.936 g/cm3 |
0.214 lb/in3 |
| Molar Mass |
195.90 g/mol |
- |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of lanthanum trifluoride nanoparticles are given in the table below:-
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Melting Point |
1493° C |
2719° F |
Applications
Given below are some of the chief applications of lanthanum trifluoride nanoparticles:
- As additives to anti-frictional lubricants
- In oxygen-sensitive applications such as metal production
- In oil refining, etching, pharmaceuticals and synthetic organic chemistry
Source: AZoNano