Fabrication of Y 2 O 3 microspheres by homogeneous precipitation method

Y 2 O 3 microspheres were obtained via homogeneous precipitation method. Y 2 O 3 microspheres with different sizes and morphologies were prepared by adjusting the reaction temperature, the concentration of ytterbium nitrate and urea (H 2 NCONH 2 ), and the amount and species of surfactants. The structure and morphology of the as‐obtained Y 2 O 3 were analysed by using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, and the results showed that the sample showed the optimal microscopy when it was prepared at 80°C with the concentration of ytterbium nitrate, H 2 NCONH 2 and betaine fixed at 0.01 M, 0.04 M and 4 g/l, respectively. Moreover, the as‐prepared samples were uniform and smooth‐surfaced.