Abstract:The nanometer yttrium oxides were obtained through precipitation in aqueous solution by reaction with ammonium bicarbonate. The reaction between yttrium chloride and ammonium bicarbonate, the effect of surfactants on particle size and the methods of controlling agglomeration were studied. Compared to other methods, the method of controlling the agglomeration by adding surfactant is one of the best methods for controlling the agglomeration of nanometer particles in wetchemical process. Increasing surfactants in process of precipitation deduced particle size, obtained narrow size distribution of primary particles. As for the concentration range studied, excess surfactants increased the particle size on the contrary. Characteristics of the thermal decomposition of yttrium carbonate were studied. It indicated that the approximate chemical composition of the precipi tate was Y(OH)Clx (CO3)(1-x/2) · 3H2O,the cubic Y2O3 was obtained above 600℃ , the specific surface and the remain chloride of nanometer Y2O3 was decreased with calcinating temperature rising. The spherical nanometer yttrium oxide was gained with primary particles＜50 nm,agglomerate distribution D50 ＜ 150 nm, BET＞ 35 m2/g, agglomerate constant (D50/DBET ) ＜6.
