Continuous microwave-driven polyol process for synthesizing ytterbium-doped yttria powder

M. A. Imam, A. W. Fliflet, K. L. Siebach, A. David, R. W. Bruce, S. B. Qadri, C. R. Feng, S. H. Gold

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The continuous microwave polyol process is a promising novel approach to the synthesis of metallic and ceramic nanopowders. Current efforts are directed toward synthesizing ytterbia-doped yttria (Yb2O3:Y 2O3) for use as a polycrystalline laser host material. The process involves pumping a mixture of yttrium nitrate and ytterbium nitrate dissolved in hydrated diethylene glycol through a pressurized quartz tube contained in an S-Band waveguide driven by a 2.45 GHz microwave source at powers up to 6 kW. As the solution moves along the waveguide, it absorbs the co-propagating microwave energy and is heated rapidly to a temperature above 200°C causing a reaction to occur. Condensation reactions then form particles with ytterbium-doped yttria crystal structure. The rapid heating and cooling serve to limit the growth of the crystals so that they are on submicron and fairly uniform in size. The production of doped yttria was confirmed by x-ray diffraction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProcessing and Properties of Advanced Ceramics and Composites- A Collection of Papers Presented at the 2008 Materials Science and Technology Conference, MS and T'08
Pages3-14
Number of pages12
StatePublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes
Event2008 Materials Science and Technology 2008 Conference , MS and T'08 - Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Duration: Oct 5 2008Oct 9 2008

Publication series

NameCeramic Transactions
Volume203
ISSN (Print)1042-1122

Conference

Conference2008 Materials Science and Technology 2008 Conference , MS and T'08
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPittsburgh, PA
Period10/5/0810/9/08

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Materials Chemistry

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