Inorganic nanofluorides and related nanocomposites

The properties and prospects of application of fluoride nanoparticles are discussed. Pyrohydrolysis is considered as the key process determining the chemistry and technology of fluorides; its role increases on going to the nanosize region. The physical and chemical methods for the synthesis of fluoride nanoparticles, one- and two-dimensional nanoobjects as well as approaches to the preparation of nanocomposites (glass ceramics, heterovalent solid solutions with defect clusters, eutectoid composites, etc.) are analysed. Nanotechnology techniques used to produce heterogeneous nanoobjects are outlined.