Synthesis of EuFeO3 nanocrystals by glycine-nitrate combustion method

Abstract

Powdered nanocrystalline europium orthoferrite was synthesized by the glycine-nitrate combustion method, and specific features of its formation were studied in relation to the redox composition of the starting reaction mixture. The products of glycine-nitrate combustion were characterized by X-ray fluorescence microanalysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and helium pycnometry. It was found that, depending on the glycine-nitrate ratio, EuFeO₃ nanopowders with average crystallite size of 28 ± 3 to 46 ± 5 nm can be obtained. The crystallites form under the given conditions porous micrometer-size agglomerates with developed surface. Their morphology and characteristic size vary with the redox composition of the reaction mixture.