Abstract: Using yttriu m nitrate as the m other salt , synthesis of ultrafine yttria po w der through w et che mical route w as investigated . Choice of precipitant has dra m atic effects on co m position ,particle size distribution and particle m orphology of the precipitates . When a m m onia solutionw as used as the precipitant , the precursor precipitate w as m ainly Y2( O H) 5 14( N O3) 0 86· H2 O with co m paratively large particle size , broad size distribution and co m plex particleshapes . When sodiu m hydroxide solution w as used , roughly spherical α Y( O H)3·3 H2 Opre cipitate w ith sm all particle size and narro w size distribution w as obtained . The transfor m a tion sequence of dry α Y( O H)3 ·3 H2 O gel during calcination w as determ ined to be α Y( O H) 3·3 H2 O→ Y O O H→ Y2 O3 . After calcining at 600 ℃ for 1 hour , both Y2( O H) 5 14( N O3) 0 86· H2 O and α Y( O H) 3·3 H2 O transfor m to well crystallized Y2 O3 pow ders ,w ith particle sizes of 50 ～3000 n m and 20 n m , respectively .

Key words: KEYW ORDS yttria , ultrafine pow der , synthesis , w et che mical route