Synthesis and characterization of erbium oxide nanocrystallites

Abstract

The present article describes a method of the preparation of erbium oxide nanocrystallites (nano Er2O3) via thermal decomposition of a transient complex formed in situ from Er(NO3)(3) center dot 5H(2)O and glycine. Decomposition of the complex occurred at about of (250 +/- 10) degrees C. Ultra-fine light pink powder of erbium oxide nanocrystallites was obtained via this method. The resulting nanocrystallites were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction analysis, which showed the nanocrystallites having the crystallite size equal to 10 nm. Morphology of the nanocrystallites was examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Electron diffraction observed in transmission electron microscopy corresponds to the results obtained from X-ray diffraction analysis. The elemental composition of the product was confirmed by EDS analysis.