Direct Preparation of Y2SiO5Nanocrystallites by a Microwave Hydrothermal Process

A novel fabrication technique of yttrium silicate (Y2SiO5) nanocrystallites has been investigated by a microwave hydrothermal process with a later heat treatment. The prepared powders were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Results show that high-purity yttrium silicate (Y2SiO5) powders can be synthesized by the microwave hydrothermal process with a later heat treatment at 700°C for 2 h. The Y2SiO5 precursor powders prepared by microwave hydrothermal process without heat treatment are weak crystallization, which shows an irregular and cotton-fiber-like morphology. After the heat treatment at 700°C for 2 h, well crystallized phase-pure Y2SiO5 powders with 400–600 nm grainy morphology are achieved. Further heat treatment at higher temperature will result in the sintering and serious agglomeration of the powders. The formation process of Y2SiO5 nanocrystallites was explained based on the photographs of SEM.