Characterization of BaBi2Ta2O9 prepared through amorphous precursor

► Formation of Bi-layered BaBi2Ta2O9 proceeds via an intermediate fluorite phase. ► Mechanochemical activation lowers the synthesis temperature by 150-200 °C. ► The lateral size of the synthesized plate-like crystallites is about 100-200 nm. ► Properties of the synthesized crystallites are different from the bulk material.