Large-Scale Controllable Synthesis and Characterization of Ytterbium Silicate Nanostructures

Large-scale synthesis of ytterbium silicate (Yb2SiO5) nanoparticles and nanorods has been realized by a facile molten-salt approach. The synthesized products were structurally and morphologically characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution TEM. Our results revealed that the morphologies of Yb2SiO5 products can be readily controlled by a simple variation of the reactants used for the molten-salt reaction. Single-crystalline Yb2SiO5 nanorods with a high yield can be obtained using NP-7.5 as a surfactant. The formation mechanism of Yb2SiO5 nanostructures was also discussed. The method presented here for the synthesis of Yb2SiO5 nanostructures may pave the way for their application as environmental barrier coating materials.