Efficient route for preparation of Nd3+ doped Y2O3 nanoparticles at intermediate temperature

Yttrium oxide nanoparticles are one of the proper host materials for rare-earth elements. The rare-earth ions doped in yttrium oxide nanoparticles have medical applications such as biological imaging and photonic applications such as waveguides in the infrared region, laser mediums, sensitizers, LEDs, etc. The preparation of rare-earth ion-doped Y2O3 nanoparticles is usually done through the solid-state process and at a very high temperature, such as 1200 °C. In this research, using the solid-state process and during multi-step heat treatment at temperatures of 210 °C, 380 °C, and 500 °C, white nanopowders of Nd:Y2O3were prepared in 6 h. The produced nanopowders were studied using various characterization methods. The results showed that the produced nanopowders have a cubic structure and an average particle size between 22 and 65 nm.