Surfactant-assisted synthesis of mono-dispersed cubic BaTiO3 nanoparticles

• BaTiO3 nanoparticles with single cubic crystal structure.
• Poor dispersibility of nanoparticles has been overcome by in situ modification way.
• Growth competition between BaTiO3 core and polymer shell.

In this study, poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-assisted synthesis of mono-dispersed BaTiO3 nanoparticles have been reported. The various processing parameters, namely, refluxing temperature, KOH concentration, and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) concentration, have been varied, and the effects on the growth of BaTiO3 particles have been analyzed systematically. X-ray diffraction studies indicated that poly(vinylpyrrolidone) did not affect the crystal structure, but rather influenced the crystal lattice structure. In addition, the use of surfactant poly(vinylpyrrolidone) hindered the agglomeration of the nanoparticles, and facilitated the formation of mono-dispersed core–shell organic/inorganic hybrid nanocomposite. Furthermore, the mineralizer KOH promoted the dissolution of reactants and promoted the crystallization of BaTiO3 particles. Accordingly, the dissolution-precipitation scheme was believed to be the mechanism underlying the formation of BaTiO3 particles. This was further substantiated by the experimental observations, which indicated that the nucleation and crystallization of the particles was affected by the KOH concentration in the reaction system. Finally, the formation of mono-dispersed core–shell nanocomposites proceeded via reaction limited cluster aggregation. We believe that the method proposed in this study could be extended for the synthesis of mono-dispersed nanoparticles for industrial applications.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideMono-dispersed BaTiO3 nanoparticles have been prepared via the assistance of capping agent poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP).