Synthesis of Dy2O3 nanoparticles via hydroxide precipitation: effect of calcination temperature

This work described the preparation of dysprosium oxide, Dy2O3, nanoparticles using the homogeneous precipitation method. Dy3+ ions were precipitated using NaOH solution. The obtained product was filtered, dried, and then calcined for 1 h at the temperature range of 300–700 °C in static air. The calcination temperature of the Dy-precursor was chosen based on its decomposition as indicated by the TGA analysis. The crystalline structure and surface morphology of the calcined solids were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The obtained results revealed that Dy2O3 with crystallites size of 11–21 nm was formed at 500 °C. Such value increased to 25–37 nm for the sample calcined at 700 °C.