Preparation of Gd2O3 coral-like nanostructures by pulse electrodeposition–heat-treatment method

Abstract

Abstract Gd2O3 coral-like nanostructures have been prepared for the first time by a two-step method. First, Gd(OH)3 was deposited from nitrate bath on the steel substrate by pulse current deposition. It was then heat treated at 700 °C for 3 h. For the formation of hydroxide deposit on the cathode surface, an electrochemical–chemical (EC) mechanism was proposed and discussed. The morphological and structural characterization indicated that the final oxide product has single crystalline cubic structure with coral-like morphology. The SEM observations revealed that the coral structures are composed of rods and/or plates collections at nanoscale. The results showed that pulse current deposition followed by heat-treatment can be recognized as an easy and facile method for preparation of the nanostructured Gd2O3.