Effects of ball milling and thermal annealing on size and strain of ASnO3 (A = Ba, Sr) ceramics

An investigation of the impact of ball milling and consequent thermal annealing on particle size and crystallite strain of ASnO3 (A = Ba, Sr) ceramics is presented. Whole Powder Pattern Modeling (WPPM) algorithms were used in the analysis of these nanoparticle stannates. Samples of BaSnO3 and SrSnO3 showed an increase in strain coupled with a decrease in particle size when milled for longer periods of time. Interestingly, thermal annealing at controlled temperatures led to a slight increase in particle size with a large decrease in strain. Samples of ASnO3 with particle sizes ranging from 15 nm to 60 nm were reproducibly synthesized. These findings allow for the facile preparation of nanoparticles with predetermined particle size and strain for optimal performance in applications including dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), thermoelectric devices, and fuel cells.

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► Particle size and crystallite strain analyzed on a series of stannate oxide ceramics.
► Clear correlation established between milling time and particle size, strain.
► Systematic way to control particle size and strain proposed using a combination of milling and thermal annealing.