Size-Dependent High-Pressure Behavior of Pure and Eu³⁺-Doped Y₂O₃ Nanoparticles: Insights from Experimental and Theoretical Investigations

Author(s):Show less -

Pereira, Andre Luis de Jesus ; Sans, Juan Angel ; Gomis, Oscar ; Santamaria-Perez, David ; Ray, Sudeshna ; Godoy, Armstrong ; da Silva-Sobrinho, Argemiro Soares ; Rodriguez-Hernandez, Placida ; Munoz, Alfonso ; Popescu, Catalin ; Manjon, Francisco Javier

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: NANOMATERIALS; v. 14, n. 8, p. 21-pg., 2024-04-01.

Abstract

We report a joint high-pressure experimental and theoretical study of the structural, vibrational, and photoluminescent properties of pure and Eu3+-doped cubic Y2O3 nanoparticles with two very different average particle sizes. We compare the results of synchrotron X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering, and photoluminescence measurements in nanoparticles with ab initio density-functional simulations in bulk material with the aim to understand the influence of the average particle size on the properties of pure and doped Y2O3 nanoparticles under compression. We observe that the high-pressure phase behavior of Y2O3 nanoparticles depends on the average particle size, but in a different way to that previously reported. Nanoparticles with an average particle size of similar to 37 nm show the same pressure-induced phase transition sequence on upstroke and downstroke as the bulk sample; however, nanoparticles with an average particle size of similar to 6 nm undergo an irreversible pressure-induced amorphization above 16 GPa that is completed above 24 GPa. On downstroke, 6 nm nanoparticles likely consist of an amorphous phase. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/02994-2 - Green hydrogen project (ProHVer): photoelectrode study center aiming the sustainable generation of H2 fuel
• Grantee: André Luis de Jesus Pereira
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Initial Project