Cun+-assisted synthesis of multi- and single-phase yttrium oxide nanosheets

A facile hydrothermal method was used to synthesize multi- and single-phase yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanosheets (NS). Interestingly, using copper ions as catalysts, phase transformation from multiphase Y2O3 NS to single-phase cubic Y2O3 NS was observed. The multiphase Y2O3 NS-based metal–semiconductor (M–S) junction was found to be a Schottky barrier-based diode. The single-phase cubic Y2O3 NS was found to have negative resistance as an M–S junction. This is due to localized redox reaction/junction electronics. This research would benefit design and development of future microelectronic devices.