Structure formation of lamellar yttrium hydroxide prepared via alkaline hydrolysis of yttrium nitrate

The samples of lamellar yttrium hydroxide have been prepared via slow hydrolysis method of yttrium nitrate in water solutions at various pH values. Ammonia and sodium hydroxide solutions have been used as hydrolyzing agents. Dynamic light scattering has been applied for particle/aggregate sizes determination of the samples prepared at various synthetic conditions. Morphology of the synthesized xerogels has been studied by scanning electron microscopy. It has been found that hydrolysis of water solutions of yttrium nitrate with ammonia at pH values lower than pH of the point of zero charge of yttrium hydroxide favours the formation of the separated lamellae thinner than 5 nm.