Synthesis of inorganic fluorides in molten salt fluxes and ionic liquid mediums

The present review article covers the synthesis of inorganic fluorides using two types of molten media - molten salt fluxes and ionic liquids (IL). Molten salt syntheses (MSS) are applicable across widely-varying temperatures, ranging from 150 to 800 degrees C. Lowering the synthetic temperature results in smaller particle sizes, from a few millimeters at 800 degrees C to about 30 nm at 150 degrees C, whereas increasing the reaction temperatures accelerates hydrolysis of fluorides. IL syntheses allow the isolation of non-agglomerated nanoparticles without use of the sophisticated equipment. MSS syntheses at 300 degrees C or higher allowed the synthesis of equilibrium phases.