Controlling the morphology of yttrium oxide through different precursors synthesized by hydrothermal method

Y2O3 sheets, rods, needles and tubes were synthesized from three precursors through hydrothermal reactions followed by calcination. The phase distribution and decomposition behaviors of the three precursors, Y2(OH)5.14(NO3)0.86·H2O, Y4O(OH)9(NO3) and hexagonal Y(OH)3, were investigated. The reaction temperature and initial pH value during the hydrothermal reaction showed great influence on the shape and particle size of the products. The precursors were converted to Y2O3 particles with the retained original morphology of the precursors.