Alkaline earth yttrium borates: Synthesis, characterization and calculation of unit cell parameters

Abstract

Purpose: Purpose of this paper, our object is solid state synthesis and investigation of structural and chemical characterization properties of Ba3Y(BO3)3 and Sr3Y2(BO3)4 as members of alkaline earth yttrium borates. Design/methodology/approach: In the synthesis procedure; barium carbonate, strontium carbonate, yttrium oxide and boric acid weighed an appropriate molar ratio and homogenized in an agate mortar. The mixture placed into a porcelain crucible to heat in high temperature oven at 900°C for 4 hours. After intermediate grindings, samples were cooled down to room temperature. Homogenized powders were characterized by Powder X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) to determine crystal structures. FTIR spectrum was taken to support the functional groups. Morphological properties and semi-quantitative analyse of the sample was performed by Scanning Electron Microscope/Energy dispersive (SEM/EDX). Findings: The XRD patterns of Ba3Y(BO3)3 and Sr3Y2(BO3)4 compounds indicate that crystallization procedure were completed successfully. The unit cell parameters of the compounds was calculated by Rietveld refinement method. In FTIR spectrum the vibrations of B-O bonds are determined via comparison to literature Research limitations/implications: Implication the synthesis method has some disadvantages such as low homogeneity, non-uniform product etc. We tried to minimize these negative aspects in our research and succeeded. Practical implications: Alkaline earth yttrium borates Ba3Y(BO3)3 and Sr3Y2(BO3)4 compounds were synthesized by solid state technique at 900°C. Unit cell parameters of the compounds were calculated by Rietveld refinement method and vibrations of functional group was indicated in FTIR spectrum. Originality/value: Value of the paper is first time conventional synthesis of Ba3Y(BO3)3 and Sr3Y2(BO3)4 compounds, calculation of unit cell parameters, and investigation of morphological and thermal properties © International OCSCO World Press. All rights reserved. 2016.