Synthesis of γ-La2S3 via Treatment of La2O3 by Molten Sodium Thiocyanate with Potassium Cyanide Additions

Abstract

We report a new, convenient and simple low-temperature process for synthesis of γ-lanthanum(III) sulfide (γ-La₂S₃). In molten sodium thiocyanate with small KCN additions at a temperature of 350°C, lanthanum oxide converts into phase-pure γ-La₂S₃ with a cubic structure, as evidenced by X-ray powder diffraction data. The method is rather easy to implement and requires neither high temperatures nor vacuum apparatus.