Y2O3 microprisms with trilobal cross section

Yttrium oxide (Y2O3) microprisms with interesting trilobal cross section were synthesized through a large-scale and facile hydrothermal method followed by a subsequent heat treatment. The size of the Y2O3 trilobal prisms could be modulated from micro- to submicroscale with the increase of pH value. The as-formed products via the hydrothermal process, monoclinic yttrium. oxide hydroxide nitrate, Y4O(OH)(9)(NO3), could transform to cubic Y2O3 with the same morphology after annealing at high temperatures. The formation mechanism for the Y4O(OH)(9)(NO3) trilobal prisms has been proposed. Under hydrothermal conditions, the synergistic effect of Y-type aggregates of primary Y4O(OH)(9)(NO3) nanorods and sequent preferential of different crystal planes resulted in the formation of trilobal prisms.