Synthesis and characterization of three dimensionally ordered macroporous of CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics

- The synthesis and characterization of 3DOM of CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics is reported.
- A perovskite CaCu3Ti4O12 phase was formed at the calcination temperature of 700 °C.
- The presence of cracks was increased with the calcination temperature.

This article reports the synthesis and characterization of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) of CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) ceramics. 3DOM structures were prepared by combining sol-gel synthesis with colloidal crystal templating. This was followed by a thermal treatment at different calcination temperatures under air atmosphere. The effect of the calcination temperature on the quality of the 3DOM CCTO structures was investigated and their morphology and composition characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal analysis (TG/DTA). The experimental results indicated the samples to display a highly ordered macroporous structure which make them attractive for many potential applications in areas such as photonic crystals, electronic and optoelectronic devices and chemical sensors among others.