Microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis of Bi4Ti3O12 nanopowders from oxide as raw materials

An alternative method to obtain Bi4Ti3O12 nanosized powders synthesized using microwave assisted hydrothermal treatment is proposed. Initially, the Bi4Ti3O12 powder was synthesized via solid-state reaction. Transparent aqueous solution of powder dissolved into hydrochloric acid was obtained and the pH adjustment was performed to the hydrothermal method. In order to show the viability of the proposed method, synthesis treatments at 160 °C with different hold times were carried out. The powders were characterized by differential thermal analyses, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy.

Graphical abstractBi4Ti3O12 oxide precursors were calcined and dissolved in HCl aqueous solution. The pH of this solution was adjusted with KOH and a white preciptation was formed. This suspension was submitted to microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis at 160 °C until 60 min. The original and hydrothermal powders were characterized by thermal, structural and microstructural analyses and the nanosized particle formation was observed by these processes.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Bi4Ti3O12 nanoparticles were formed with microwave assisted hydrothermal method. ► Raw precursor is based on solid state Bi4Ti3O12 powder dissolved into acid solution. ► Thermal analyses indicated the decomposition and formation of the components. ► The soaking time was effective in improving phase formation. ► The crystallite size is nanoscale confirmed by MEV and XRD measurements.