The rapid synthesis of nanostructured orthorhombic KNbO3 particles by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method and their characterization

We studied the molar ratio effects of niobium and potassium precursors on the structure and morphology of potassium niobate powders prepared via microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis (MaHS). KNbO3 nanostructures in the form of nanotowers and nanocubes were obtained at reduced synthesis times (30-240 min). The products were characterized via XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and TEM; band gap calculations used diffuse reflectance data. The results indicate that KNbO3 nanostructures were obtained with crystallite sizes ranging from 33 to 52 nm. An orthorhombic crystalline structure was formed from the increase of KOH at a molar ratio Nb2O5:KOH (1:8 to 1:16 M). The band-gap of 3.1-3.3 eV has potential use in photodegradation applications.