Yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanocrystallites were synthesized by mean of a sol-gel method using two different precursors. Raw materials used were yttrium nitrate and yttrium chloride, in methanol. In order to promote oxygen vacancies, P-123 poloxamer was incorporated. Synthesized systems were heat-treated at temperatures from 700 °C to 900 °C. Systems at 900 °C were prepared in the presence and absence of P-123 using different molar ratios (P-123:Y = 1:1 and 2:1). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results revealed a characteristic absorption band of Y–O vibrations typical of Y2O3 matrix. The structural phase was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), showing the characteristic cubic phase in all systems. The diffraction peak that presented the major intensity corresponded to the sample prepared from yttrium chloride incorporating P-123 in a molar ratio of P-123:Y = 2:1 at 900 °C. Crystallites sizes were determined by Scherrer equation as between 21 nm and 32 nm. Antioxidant properties were estimated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) assays; the results are discussed.

Yttrium oxide (Y 2 O 3 ) nanocrystallites were synthesized by mean of sol-gel method using two different precursors. Raw materials used are yttrium nitrate and yttrium chloride, in methanol. In order to promote oxygen vacancies, P123 poloxamer was incorporated. Synthesis systems were heat-treated at temperatures from 700 ºC to 900 ºC. Systems at 900 ºC were prepared in the presence and absence of P123 using different molar ratios (P123:Y, 1:1, 2:1). Infrared Spectroscopy results revealed characteristic absorption band of Y-O vibrations typical of Y 2 O 3 matrix. Structural phase was analyzed trough X-ray Diffraction, showing the characteristic cubic phase in all systems. The OPEN ACCESS 2 diffraction peak that presented the major intensity corresponded to the sample prepared from yttrium chloride incorporating P123 in a molar ratio of P123:Y, 2:1 at 900 ºC. Crystallites sizes were determined by Scherrer equation, having them from 21 to 32 nm. Antioxidant properties were estimated by DPPH assays; the results are presented and discussed.