CeF3 nanoparticles 5-10 nm in size were prepared using the polyol method. CeCl3 and HF were heated up in ethylene glycol. At a temperature of 180 degreesC crystalline CeF3 nanoparticles were formed. The material was washed with ethanol, centrifugated and dried. The particles were characterized by EDX, XRD and TEM. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.