Synthesis and characterization of Y₂O₃ nanoparticles by sol–gel process for transparent ceramics applications

Abstract: High-purity Y₂O₃ nanopowder has been prepared by the Pechini sol–gel method using citric acid and ethylene glycol as the chelating agent and complexant of Y³⁺ cations. The crystal structure of the powder has been studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD). In order to evaluate the bonding characteristics of the obtained gel, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was carried out. Morphological properties of the nanopowders were examined through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. Using spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1100 °C for 5 min under the uniaxial pressure of 100 MPa, the consolidation of the nanopowder was accomplished. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the microstructure of compacted pellets. The compacted specimen was made up of grains in the size range of approximately 40 µm. Furthermore, the optical properties of compacted powder were investigated by means of spectrophotometer. The final obtaining Y₂O₃ pellet exhibited the in-line transmittance of 60 % at the wavelength of 700 nm. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]