Structural, charge density and bond length variations in c-Y2O3 influenced by progressive cerium additions

Abstract

The impact of assorted levels of cerium substitutions in Y₂O₃ and the resultant structural and mechanical characteristics were evaluated. The sol–gel technique was used for powder synthesis to substitute cerium in the range from 10 to 100 mol%. The results accomplished complete dissolution of cerium in the cubic Y₂O₃ (c-Y₂O₃) lattice, and the resultant structural stability was preserved up to 1500 °C. Nevertheless, absence of the crystallization of the thermodynamically stable cubic CeO₂ is apparent in all the investigated compositions, which implies the presence of cerium in the Ce³⁺ state and also favors its comprehensive accommodation in the c-Y₂O₃ lattice. The distribution of the high electron density cloud at specific locations in the c-Y₂O₃ lattice is obviously due to Ce³⁺ inclusions. The typical emission of Ce³⁺ was determined in the range 380–440 nm. A steady upsurge in the mechanical properties of Y₂O₃ with respect to the incremental addition of Ce³⁺ was also determined.