Influence of different surfactants on crystal growth behavior and sinterability of La2Ce2O7 solid solution

La2Ce2O7 nanocrystals were prepared via hydrothermal method with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as surfactants, respectively. X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry, Raman spectroscopy, and Field emission scanning electron microscopy were utilized to characterize the phase structure, thermal decomposition, and morphology of the products. Qualitative analyses indicate that both samples have a cubic fluorite structure. The surfactants have an important effect on the specific surface area, lattice parameter, and average crystallite size of the products. The sample using CATB as surfactant has a higher activation energy of crystal growth than that with PEG. Moreover, the effects of surfactants on the sinterability of compacted body are also discussed.