Low temperature synthesis of Ba1-x Sr x SnO3 (x=0-1) from molten alkali hydroxide flux

Perovskite structured stannates (Ba1-x Sr (x) SnO3, x = 0 center dot 0-1 center dot 0) powders have been synthesized for the first time by molten salt synthesis (MSS) method using KOH as the flux at lower temperature (400A degrees C) compared to other methods. The phase formation was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the microstructure was analysed by scanning electron microscopy. XRD patterns reveal the formation of single phasic products for parent and substituted products with good crystallinity throughout the range (x = 0 center dot 0-1 center dot 0). The morphology of the particles of BaSnO3 and SrSnO3 is spherical and rod shaped, respectively. Effect of soaking periods on the grain growth is observed clearly in SrSnO3. Ba0 center dot 5Sr0 center dot 5SnO3 (BSS5) crystallizes in flake like morphology.