Flame spray synthesis of Lu 2O 3 nanoparticles

Abstract

We have used a Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP) technique to synthesize lutetium oxide (Lu 2O 3) nanoparticles from lutetium nitrate. Optical quality transparent ceramics were prepared via hot pressing of the Lu 2O 3 nanoparticles formed using the FSP technique. We present data demonstrating that the FSP system can be used to control the material phase of the nanoparticles by changing the O 2 dispersion gas flow rate. Different O 2 dispersion gas flow rates affect the particle residence time in the flame resulting in the formation of different nanoparticulate phases. Our work has led to the synthesis of a metastable phase of Lu 2O 3 which has never been reported using the FSP technique. Significantly, the presence of the metastable phase enables the ceramic powders to be hot pressed at lower temperatures resulting in smaller grain sizes, resulting in excellent optical quality Lu 2O 3 windows.