Thermal decomposition course of Eu(CH3COO)3•4H2O and the reactivity at the gas/solid interface thus established

The thermal decomposition course of europium acetate tetrahydrate (Eu(CH3COO)(3)center dot 4H(2)O) was probed on heating up to 1000 degrees C in a dynamic atmosphere of air by thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis. The solid- and gas-phase decomposition products were identified by X-ray diffractometry, ex- and in situ infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Results obtained showed the acetate to dehydrate stepwise at 145-283 degrees C, and then decompose stepwise to yield eventually cubic-Eu2O3 at >= 663 degrees C encompassing the formation of intermediate oxycarbonate (Eu2O(CO3)(2)/Eu2O2(CO3) solid products (at 347-466 degrees C)) and H2O, (CH3)(2)CO and CO2 as primary gaseous products. A considerable enhancement of the production of the primary gas phase products at 400-450 degrees C and the emergence of (CH3)(2)C=CH2. CH4 and CO molecules in the gas phase are ascribed to reactions occurring at the gas/solid interface at the expense of some of the primary products. These interfacial activities impart application-worthy adsorptive and catalytic functions for the associated solid products. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.