Description
Dysprosium oxide or dysprosia with chemical composition Dy2O3, is one of the rare earth oxide families, is a white slightly hygroscopic powder, and it is highly insoluble and thermally stable. The structure of Dy2O3 takes a cubic crystal structure below 1870 °C and monoclinic and/or hexagonal structures above this temperature.
Chemical Properties
white powder(s); can be prepared by heating the oxalate or sulfate; more magnetic than ferric oxide; slightly hygroscopic; absorbs atmospheric H2O and CO2; used with nickel in cermets and as an evaporated film of 99.9% purity it is reactive to radio frequencies [HAW93] [MER06] [CER91]
Uses
Dysprosium oxide also called Erbia, an important colourant in glasses and porcelain enamel glazes. High purity Dierbium trioxide are widely applied as dopant in making optical fibre and amplifier. It is particularly useful as an amplifier for fiber optic data transfer. Dierbium trioxide has a pink color, and is sometimes used as a colorant for glass, cubic zirconia and porcelain. The glass is then often used in sunglasses and cheap jewelry.
Synthesis
Dysprosium oxide, Dy2O3, nanoparticles were prepared by using the homogeneous precipitation method. Dy3+ ions were precipitated using NaOH solution. The obtained product was filtered, dried, and then calcined for 1 h at the temperature range of 300–700 °C in static air. The calcination temperature of the Dy-precursor was chosen based on its decomposition as indicated by the TGA analysis.
