Structure and morphology of spherical crystalline (Y1 − xEux)2O3 particles

The structure and morphology of monodisperse spherical particles of (Y1 − x Eu x )2O3 solid solutions prepared through the low-temperature thermolysis of an amorphous precursor under isothermal conditions (t = 800°C) have been analyzed in detail in relation to the particle size and composition. The results demonstrate that, in addition to having a polycrystalline (block) structure, the spherical (Y1 − x Eu x )2O3 particles are porous, with a mesoscopic residual pore size. Reducing the diameter of the spherical particles from 400 to 70 nm reduces their porosity and improves their structural perfection. The addition of Eu3+ cations stimulates the growth of crystalline blocks that form a spherical particle, activating diffusion processes in the cation sublattice of the solid solution.