Facile synthesis of hybrid hexagonal CeF₃ nano-disks on CeO ₂ frustum pyramids

A hybrid architecture comprising two types of cerium compound nanoparticles is synthesized via a facile surfactant- and template-free hydrothermal process. The prepared hybrid materials show an unusual morphology with small hexagonal nano-disks dispersed on relatively larger frustum pyramids. Microscopic analyses identify the chemical composition of the nano-disks as CeF₃ and the frustum pyramids as CeO₂. Apart from absorption on the CeO ₂ supports, the CeF₃ nano-disks are self-assembled as well to form ordered one-dimensional chain nanostructure. Such unique hybrid architecture may open an avenue for the scientific and technological application in the rapidly emerging catalytic field.