Preparation and characterization of neodymium hydroxide powder via the hydration method

Abstract

The preparation of Nd(OH) 3 powder by the direct hydration method using Nd 2 O 3 as a raw material was studied, and the effects of stirring mode, H 2 O and Nd 2 O 3 molar ratio, stirring rate, and reaction time on temperature change and conversion rate in a hydration system were analyzed. The reasonable process conditions for the direct hydration of Nd(OH) 3 by Nd 2 O 3 were then determined. Process, morphology, and structure were considered in the preparation of neodymium hydroxide powder, and its composition was investigated by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, laser particle size analysis, thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis, and chemical analysis. It has been proved that the process is simple and feasible, in line with the concept of modern green chemistry, and the products also meet the market requirements. The hydration method is that Nd 2 O 3 and H 2 O are directly mixed in the heat insulation reactor that is an environmentally friendly method for the preparation of neodymium hydroxide. Experiments show that this method is feasible in industry which involves a short process and takes into account the cost and energy savings. The particle size of the product is small (629 nm) and the dispersion of the product is good.