Thermal decomposition features of calcium and rare-earth oxalates

Abstract

Thermal decomposition of Ln₂(C₂O₄)₃ · 9H₂O concentrate (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd) in the presence of CaC₂O₄ · H₂O was studied by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, and chemical analysis. Annealing at temperatures above 374°C in the absence of calcium oxalate gives rise to the solid solution of CeO₂-based rare-earth oxides. Calcite CaCO₃ is formed in the presence of calcium oxalate at annealing temperatures above 442°C, which impedes the formation of lanthanide oxide solid solution and favors crystallization of oxides as individual La₂O₃, CeO₂, Pr₆O₁₁, and Nd₂O₃ phases. An increase in temperature above 736°C is accompanied by decomposition of calcium carbonate to give rise to an individual CaO phase and an individual phase of CeO₂-based lanthanide oxide solid solution.