Microstructural analysis of La2/3 − xLi3xTiO3 single crystals and quenched samples observed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy

The La ordering and domain structures of La2/3 − xLi3xTiO3 single crystals and quenched samples have been observed by high resolution electron microscopy. In single crystals, the grown single crystals are not real single crystals with mono-domain, but crystals with 90° oriented domains with 20–100 nm sizes. A remarkable difference of the domain size between polycrystals and single crystals has not been observed at the same composition. In quenched samples, the La disordering has been observed. Furthermore, domain structures of quenched samples are different from those of furnace-cooled ones. Domain structures change with the La disordering. The understanding of microstructures is necessary to clarify the Li-ion conduction mechanism.