Hydrothermally assisted synthesis of YMnO3

Abstract

In this work single phase hexagonal YMnO3 powders were prepared starting from Y(CH3COO)(3)center dot xH(2)O, Mn(CH3COO)(2)center dot 4H(2)O, KMnO4 and KOH using methods of conventional (280 degrees C for 6 h) or microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis (200 degrees C for 2 h) followed by calcination at 1200 degrees C for 2 h. According to FESEM analysis the calcined powders consisted of submicronic YMnO3 particles, which were uniform in shape and size. Ceramic samples were obtained by sintering the as-synthesized powders at 1400 degrees C for 2 h. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of the single phase hexagonal YMnO3. SEM analysis showed a dense and homogeneous microstructure with typical inter- and intra-grain cracks. Magnetic measurements indicated ferrimagnetic properties that were explained by non-stoichiometry of the obtained compound and an excess of manganese that was confirmed by ICP analysis.