Solid-state synthesis of monazite-type compounds LnPO4 (Ln = La to Gd)

This work is devoted to the synthesis of monazite-type compounds LnPO₄ (with Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu and Gd) by solid–solid reaction between a lanthanide oxide and a phosphate precursor NH₄H₂PO₄. Starting mixtures and resulting powders were characterized by coupling different techniques, in particular thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction and MAS ³¹P NMR. Results are presented according to the valence state of the lanthanide element in its oxide form. The intermediate chemical reactions occurring during the firing of starting reagents are described for the first time in the case of monazite with one or several cations. It has been highlighted that the solid-state route is an efficient way in order to obtain very pure and very well crystallized monazite powder. Optimum synthesis conditions are 1350 °C–2 h. The synthesis of monazite powders containing several lanthanides appears to be more difficult, because all the lanthanides do not react at the same temperature, leading to the formation of heterogeneous powders.