Synthesis of fine Pb(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3 perovskite powders by coprecipitation method

Lead iron niobate, Pb(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3 (PFN) is an optimal material for multilayered ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). Fine lead iron niobate powders with average size of 500 nm were prepared from the precipitation precursor. In the experiment, Nb2O5 was used as Nb source to substitute Nb alkyloxide or oxalate and successfully converted into aqueous Nb5+ solution. The results shows that the perovskite PFN was emerged at a temperature as low as 400 °C, and pure perovskite was obtained at the temperature of 800 °C. The formation of perovskite at a low temperature was attributed to the core–shell structure in the precipitates of hydroxide. Besides, the particles of perovskite PFN show the good chemical stoichiometry and small size of 300–500 nm.