Structural stability test of hexagonal CePO4 nanowires synthesized at ambient temperature

Until now one-dimensional CePO4 nanostructures were investigated mainly from the characterization and photoluminescent property improvement point of view. In this study we present a structural stability test of CePO4 nanowires prepared at ambient temperature. The calcination of the nanowires was carried out at 400 °C, 600 °C, 800 °C and 1000 °C for 1 h in air atmosphere, the morphological and surface changes were monitored by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nitrogen adsorption technique. An increase in average diameter and a decrease in specific surface area with increasing temperature were observed indicating a sintering process above 600 °C. The phase transition of the nanowires was investigated by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Raman and infrared spectroscopy. The XRD study showed the recrystallization of the nanowires from hexagonal to monoclinic phase at 600 °C which was further confirmed by Raman and IR spectroscopy.

• Hexagonal cerium-phosphate nanowires were prepared. • Calcination of the nanowires at high temperatures was performed. • Structural changes were analyzed by various techniques.