Synthesis, identification and thermal decomposition of double sulfates of La, Ce, Pr or Nd with ethanolammonium

On evaporation at room temperature of an aqueous reaction mixture of Ln(III) sulfate and ethanolammonium sulfate in a molar ratio higher than 1∶16, crystal products with a waxy feel were obtained. They were identified by means of the X-ray powder diffraction patterns and it was concluded that they are isostructural. The results of elemental analysis and the mass losses by TG analysis indicated the formation of double sulfates with general formula: (HOCH₂CH₂NH₃)₄Ln₂(SO₄)5·4.5H₂O (Ln=La, Ce, Pr or Nd) Their thermal decompositions in static atmosphere in the temperature range from ambient up to 1173 K took place in a similar way, and mainly Ln₂O₂SO₄ was obtained as final product. The exception was the Ce compound, which decomposed to CeO₂. The double sulfates decomposed in many not well-differentiated steps. From the mass losses occurring during thermal decomposition, the mode of thermal decomposition was presumed. The X-ray powder diffraction patterns of Ln₂O₂SO₄ (Ln=La, Pr and Nd) show that they are also isostructural.