Synthesis and thermal decomposition of mixed Gd-Nd oxalates

Several (Gd1-xNdx)(2)[C2O4](3)center dot nH(2)O samples (0 <= x <= 1) were prepared by a coprecipitation method: the precipitation is quantitative and all the samples are homogeneous in stoichiometry. XRD analyses have shown that a complete solid solution is formed over the whole range of compositions. The dried Gd rich oxalates have initially a low water content which gradually increases with the Nd content. All the oxalates decompose in O-2 around 700 degrees C either into a single mixed oxide or in a mixture of oxides through several steps, which can be ascribed to the loss of water and CO2.