Preparation of Bi4Ti3O12 nanopower by azeotropic co-precipitation and dielectric properties of the sintered ceramic

Bi4Ti3O12 nanopowders were prepared by an azeotropic co-precipitation method and the phase evolution process, microstructure and sintering behavior were investigated. The results indicate that well dispersed and agglomerate-free nanocrystalline Bi4Ti3O12 with average particle size of 21 nm can be obtained by calcinating the precursor at 750 °C, which is 50 °C lower than traditional solid reaction. The relative density of the ceramic reaches 96% at 1000 °C and shows no evident decrease until 1100 °C. The broadened sintering temperature range and the lower loss tangent of the ceramic show good sintering activity of the nanopowders.