Magnetic and structural properties of yellow europium oxide compound and Eu(OH)3

• We prepared a new material based on a yellow europium oxide compound from europium oxide.
• We characterized the magnetic properties of the material which exhibits a disordered magnetic behavior such as thermal hysteresis.
• The compound turned white (Eu(OH)3) as soon as the DI water reached the powder.
• The thermal hysteresis disappeared after the reaction with DI water and the magnetic susceptibility of the yellow oxide compound weakened.

A new material based on a yellow europium oxide compound was prepared from europium oxide in a high vacuum environment. The structural and magnetic properties of the material were investigated. Owing to the absence of a crystal structure, the material exhibited a disordered magnetic behavior. In a reaction with deionized (DI) water without applied heat, the compound assumed a white color as soon as the DI water reached the powder, and the structure became polycrystalline Eu(OH)3. The magnetic properties, such as the thermal hysteresis, disappeared after the reaction with DI water, and the magnetic susceptibility of the yellow oxide compound weakened. The magnetic properties of Eu(OH)3 were also examined. Although Eu3+ is present in Eu(OH)3, a high magnetic moment due to the crystal field effect was observed.

(top left) Optical image of the yellow europium oxide compound. (top right) Optical image of the product of DI water and yellow europium oxide. (bottom) Magnetization curves as a function of temperature measured in various magnetic field.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide