A synthesis strategy for various pseudo-vaterite LnBO3 nanosheets via oxides-hydrothermal route

A series of pseudo-vaterite lanthanide orthoborates LnBO3 (Ln = Sm, Gd, Dy, Er and Y) nanosheets are firstly prepared via an oxides-hydrothermal process, in which rare earth oxide Ln2O3 and H3BO3 in stoichiometric are directly used as precursors. Some rare earth borates nanosheets are facilely obtained with thickness ca. 50 nm and sizes in region of 1–10 μm. However, pure ErBO3 and YBO3 nanomaterials cannot be obtained unless EDTA is added into the reaction system. Ion radius is a critical influencing factor on the growth of the nanocrystals. Meanwhile, it is found the crystal growth can be modified by ions doped process. A possible growth mechanism of the pseudo-vaterite LnBO3 is discussed.

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