Low-temperature synthesis of ZnTiO3 nanopowders

ZnTiO3 was successfully synthesized by a stearic acid gel method. The as-prepared nanopowders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, UV/vis diffuse reflectance spectra and thermal gravimetric analysis, respectively. The results show that the calcination process of stearic acid gel consists of a series of oxidation and combustion reactions in air, accompanied by exothermal effects. ZnO (zincite) was the dominant phase between 350 and 500 °C. When the calcined temperature is higher than 500 °C, ZnTiO3 can be formed and becomes the dominant phase at 600 °C. SEM and TEM images of ZnTiO3 powders prepared at 600 °C show that most ZnTiO3 nanopowders were agglomerated. The Fourier transform infrared spectra and UV/vis diffuse reflectance spectra can well confirm the observed XRD results.