Comparison of two different precipitation routes leading to Yb doped Y2O3 nano-particles

Two different precipitation routes leading to (YbxY1-x)(2)O-3 nano-particles (with x=0: 0.027 and 0.31) were compared, namely, precipitation of hydroxynitrate platelets and amorphous carbonate spherical particles. For both methods, the particle morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction studies of the unit cell. energy dispersive X-ray analysis and inductive coupled plasma spectroscopy were used to check the ytterbium distribution. The precipitation of amorphous carbonate was found to produce particles with uniform morphology and homogeneous distribution of ytterbium, while hydroxide precipitation favours the formation of hard and dense ytterbium-rich agglomerates. These differences are discussed in terms of precipitation. growth and agglomeration behaviour. The sinterability of both resulting powders is also discussed. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.