Low-temperature synthesis of ZnTiO3 nanopowders

ZnTiO3 was successfully synthesized by a stearic acid gel method. The as-prepared nanopowders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, UV/vis diffuse reflectance spectra and thermal gravimetric analysis, respectively. The results show that the calcination process of stearic acid gel consists of a series of oxidation and combustion reactions in air, accompanied by exothermal effects. ZnO (zincite) was the dominant phase between 350 and 500 C. When the calcined temperature is higher than 500 C, ZnTiO3 can be formed and becomes the dominant phase at 600 C. SEM and TEM images of ZnTiO3 powders prepared at 600 C show that most ZnTiO3 nanopowders were agglomerated. The Fourier transform infrared spectra and UV/vis diffuse reflectance spectra can well confirm the observed XRD results. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.