Influence of the Synthesis Conditions on the Particle Size and Morphology of Yttrium Orthoferrite Obtained from Aqueous Solutions

The size and morphology of yttrium orthoferrite nanoparticles were examined in relation to the synthesis conditions. The chemical composition of the crystalline phases resulted from heat treatment of the samples at 650 degrees C aries with the procedure of coprecipitation of yttrium and iron(III) hydroxides. At the same time, heat treatment at 750 degrees C leads to formation of yttrium orthoferrite solely. The size of the YFeO3 crystals is weakly dependent on the initial composition preparation procedure, and the size and shape of their agglomerates are sensitive to the conditions of coprecipitation of the hydroxides.