Structural and vibrational properties of phase-pure monoclinic NdLuO3 interlanthanides synthesized from nanostructured precursors

• Phase-pure monoclinic NdLuO3 were synthesized from hydrothermal-derived precursors.
• LuO(OH) and Nd(OH)3 nanomateriais were obtained by hydrothermal synthesis.
• Monoclinic NdLuO3 interlanthanides (C2/m space group, #12) were produced at 1600 °C.
• Phonon modes were determined and assigned for the monoclinic structure.

Phase-pure monoclinic NdLuO3 interlanthanides were successfully synthesized from hydrothermal-derived precursors. LuO(OH) and Nd(OH)3 materials were firstly obtained by hydrothermal synthesis at 250 °C, for 24 h. X-ray diffraction, micro-Raman spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopies were employed to investigate the thermal behavior of these precursors and NdLuO3 interlanthanide up to 1600 °C. It was observed that LuO(OH) and Nd(OH)3 were converted to cubic lanthanide oxides below 1000 °C. Cubic Nd2O3 has changed to the monoclinic structure at 1000 °C, followed by reaction with cubic Lu2O3 at 1400 °C to produce monoclinic NdLuO3. Phase-pure monoclinic (C2/m space group, #12) interlanthanide was then produced at 1600 °C for the first time, as confirmed by all the employed techniques. Phonon modes were additionally determined and assigned for this monoclinic structure.

HRTEM images for the phase-pure NdLuO3 interlanthanide obtained at 1600 °C, with interplanar spacing corresponding to the (111) plane of the monoclinic C2/m space group. Insets exhibit SAED pattern (bottom right) and polarized micro-Raman spectra (left) employed for identification and assignment of the phonon modes.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide