Phase and structural analysis of nanocrystalline Sm doped Y₂O₃

Rare earth (RE) oxide materials have attracted researchers for its unique optical and electrical properties. It finds applications such as optical display and in light emitting diodes. In particular yttrium oxide acts as promising host materials for solid state lasers, fiber amplifiers and in displays. Rare earth materials doped with yttrium oxide finds application in up conversion materials. Till date many researchers have contributed to the development of these materials in terms of materials modification. Hydrothermal, sol-gel combustion and solid state reactions were performed to synthesize the compounds in desired shapes and sizes. In the present investigation, nanocrystalline form of samarium doped yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃) was synthesized using simple co-precipitation technique. The synthesized amorphous yttrium hydroxide was then calcinated to obtain cubic yttrium oxide. Powder X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the samples calcinated at 750℃ crystallizes in cubic form with unit cell parameter a = 10.605 Å which is in close agreement that of the reported values of JCPDS 86-1107. Transmission electron microscope image shows that the average sizes of the particles are of range 40-50 nanometer regime. These preliminary structural investigations can be very much helpful while carrying out the size dependent nature on optical and electrical properties. The results would be discussed in detail. (author)