Zinc aluminate doped with ytterbium and erbium in the proportions 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, and 5:1 mol of Yb:Er were synthesized by combustion reaction. The effect of the Yb:Er in the structure and morphology of the zinc aluminate was investigated. The powders were synthesized on the basis of the propellants chemistry concepts and characterized by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption (BET method) and scanning electron microscopy. The results show the formation of the ZnAl2O4:Yb:Er as majority crystalline phase and traces of ZnO and Yb2O3 as secondary phases, and that the increase of the Yb:Er proportion favored the increase of the content of secondary phases. All the compositions presented morphology formed by soft agglomerates of fine particles. The surface area increases with increasing Yb:Er proportion.
spinel; rare-earth; combustion reaction
