Single phase yttrium phosphate having the xenotime crystal structure and method for its synthesis

Abstract

Methods for producing substantially single phase yttrium phosphate which exhibits the xenotime crystal structure are disclosed. The methods can be practiced without the use of high temperatures (e.g., the methods can be practiced at temperatures less than 1000° C.). The resulting yttrium phosphate can be in the form of particles which comprise interwoven strands of crystals of yttrium phosphate and/or nanoparticles prepared from such particles.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A composition comprising substantially single phase yttrium phosphate compounds which exhibit the xenotime crystal structure where the compounds satisfy the formula:
   Y a PO 4      
       where a ranges from 1.000 to 1.005. 
     
     
         2 . A composition comprising substantially single phase yttrium phosphate compounds which exhibit the xenotime crystal structure where the compounds satisfy the formula:
   Y a PO 4      
       where a ranges from 1.000 to 1.0025. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the composition is in the form of particles which comprise interwoven strands of crystals of the yttrium phosphate compounds. 
     
     
         4 . Nanosize particles prepared from the composition of  claim 3 . 
     
     
         5 . A composition comprising hydrated yttrium phosphate compounds having the crystal structure of the mineral churchite wherein the hydrated yttrium phosphate compounds satisfy the formula:
   Y a PO 4 ·nH 2 O,
   
       where a ranges from 1.000 to 1.005. 
     
     
         6 . A composition comprising hydrated yttrium phosphate compounds having the crystal structure of the mineral churchite wherein the hydrated yttrium phosphate compounds satisfy the formula: 
       Y a PO 4 ·nH 2 O, 
       where a is ranges from 1.000 to 1.0025.