Modified Pechini synthesis of Na3Ce(PO4)2 and thermochemistry of its phase transition

Effect of the synthesis conditions of Pechini technique on crystallinity and purity of Na3Ce(PO4)(2) compound was investigated. Nano-sized cerium-sodium phosphate obtained when EDTA was used as all additional chelating agent for Ln(3+). The total enthalpy change of Na3Ce(PO4)(2) phase transition was determined as 14.2 +/- 0.7 kJ mol(-1) for sample synthesized by conventional solid-solid reaction. The phase transition process was confirmed to occur at 1060 degrees C or in temperature range 920-1060 degrees C depending on thermal treatment of powders.