LAUSR

A metal–organic framework lanthanum(III) complex with formula ([La(pydc)2(H2O)3]·4H2O)n (1), where pydc = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, was synthesized through a sonochemical process. Complex 1 was characterized using elemental analysis, atomic absorption spectroscopy, conductivity measurements, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, photoluminescence spectroscopy, vibrating-sample magnetometry (VSM), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) analysis. La2O3 nanostructure was simply prepared by calcination of complex 1 at 700 °C. The structural properties of La2O3 nanoparticles were studied by FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and VSM. The effect of the preparation method (thermal degradation, coprecipitation, or impregnation) on the shape, size, agglomeration, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of the La2O3 nanoparticles was investigated. Comparison of the data revealed that nanoparticles derived from the inorganic complex had smaller size and higher BET specific surface area.