The properties of inorganic nanoscale phosphors allow many applications, e.g. transparent phosphor layers or the use as tracers in biological systems. The latter requires non-toxic nanoparticles with a defined surface and a high quantum-yield.

The scope of my Ph.D. project is the synthesis of doped lanthanum oxidhalogenides nanoparticles via polyol mediated synthesis (precipitation in high-boiling coordinating alcoholes). Due to the higher reaction temperatures, an increase in crystallinity can be archieved, leading to a higher quantum yield. The coordinating alcohol protects the surface of the nanoparticles preventing agglomeration. Too, lanthanum oxidhalogenides are intrinsic non-toxic. Hence, resulting nanoparticles should be ideal tracer phosphors for biological systems.