Recent progress on synthesis and structural aspects of rare-earth phosphates

In this article a brief review of recent progress on preparation and crystal chemistry of rare-earth phosphates have been presented. The article begins with a brief note on the rare-earths and then a description on preparation methods of nano and crystalline samples of binary and complex phosphates. The merits and demerits of the typical procedures are explained in brief. Subsequently the crystal chemistry of various rare-earth phosphates is explained. The diversified crystal chemistry of rare-earth phosphates with compositions as well as with external parameters like pressure and temperature are explained. Typical crystal chemistry of hydrated and anhydrous orthophosphates is also covered. A brief note on phosphates of tetravalent cerium is presented. The high temperature behaviors of complex and metastable phosphates are also discussed. Finally the prospects of rare-earth phosphates for optical and nuclear applications are mentioned in brief.