Preparation of SrFe0.5Ti0.5O3−δ perovskite-structured ceramic using the glycine-nitrate combustion technique

SrFe0.5Ti0.5O3−δ perovskite-structured ceramic was produced using wet processing method namely glycine-nitrate combustion technique. The quality of powders produced through this wet processing method was strongly related to processing parameters and heat treatment. This study investigated the effect of calcination temperature and mixing time of nitrate solution on the formation of SrFe0.5Ti0.5O3−δ. Results revealed that calcination temperature and mixing time significantly affected the purity and average crystallite size of SrFe0.5Ti0.5O3−δ. The crystallite grew to 31.48 nm when the calcination temperature was increased, whereas small crystallites (∼30 nm) were produced when the mixing time was prolonged. In terms of the purity of powders, XRD analysis indicated that secondary phases (Sr3Fe2O7 and TiO2) were retained when the calcination temperature was further increased to 1300 °C. As the mixing time was prolonged, secondary phases were removed. After 15 h of mixing, the lowest intensity of secondary peak was observed. The effects of mixing time on the production of pure and fine crystallites of SrFe0.5Ti0.5O3−δ powders were more significant than those of calcination temperature. Thus, mixing time should be prolonged until the optimum duration is reached to produce pure SrFe0.5Ti0.5O3−δ perovskite-structured ceramic powders.