Simple New Method for the Preparation of La(IO₃)₃ Nanoparticles

We present a cost- and time-efficient method for the controlled preparation of single phase La(IO₃)₃ nanoparticles via a simple soft-chemical route, which takes a matter of hours, thereby providing an alternative to the common hydrothermal method, which takes days. Nanoparticles of pure α-La(IO₃)₃ and pure δ-La(IO₃)₃ were synthesised via the new method depending on the source of iodate ions, thereby demonstrating the versatility of the synthesis route. The crystal structure, nanoparticle size-dispersal, and chemical composition were characterised via angle- and energy-dispersive powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.