TWO-STEP SYNTHESIS AND FORMATION MECHANISM FOR LACUOS NANO-SIZED AGGLOMERATES

Abstract

We have developed a two-step synthesis method to obtain pure LaCuOS nano-sized agglomerates using La(NO3)3·6H2O, CuSO4·5H2O and NH3·H2O as the starting materials. The result shows that the precursor can be converted into La2O2SO4, La2(SO4)3 and CuO phases at 800 °C for 2 h in air, which was then converted into a pure LaCuOS phase by a reduction at 800 °C for 5 h in a flowing argon and hydrogen atmosphere. The as prepared LaCuOS nano-aggregates have poor dispersion and a wide size distribution range (50–100 nm).