Holmium oxide from holmium acetate, formation and characterization: thermoanalytical studies

Thermal processes involved during the decomposition course of hydrated holm ium acetate (Ho(CH3COO)(3). 3.5H(2)O) up to 800 degrees C, in an atmosphere of air, were monitored by thermogravimetry and differential thermal analys is. The gaseous decomposition products were identified by IR- spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction and IR-spectroscopy characterized intermediates and fina l solid products. The results showed that, Ho-acetate, dehydrates completel y in two steps then decomposes to Ho2O3 at 570 degrees C, through three non crystalline unstable intermediates. The oxide obtained at 600 and 800 degre es C possesses a surface area of 31 and 15.0 m(2) g(-1), respectively. The volatile decomposition products from the acetate were water vapor, acetic a cid, ketene, acetone, methane and isobutene. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.