A novel reaction path to barium dysprosium zirconate [Ba2DyZrO(6-δ)] by the auto ignition combustion synthesis method

Phase pure barium dysprosium zirconate [Ba2DyZrO(6-δ)] nanoparticles have been synthesized by a self-sustained single-step process by the combustion of an aqueous solution containing Ba, Dy and Zr ions as oxidants, citric acid as complexing agent and liquid ammonia as fuel. The X-ray diffraction studies have shown the single phase nature of the as-prepared powder without calcination. Peak positions manifest cubic double perovskite ABB'O6-δ (δ=0.5) crystallites with lattice constant of 8.4139 Å. The average crystallite size calculated from the full width at half maximum was about 28 nm. The phase purity of the as-prepared nanopowder was further examined using differential thermal analysis, thermo gravimetry analysis; Laser Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The morphology of the as-prepared powder sample was identified with scanning electron microscopy. Evaluated particle size (30 nm) using transmission electron microscopic investigations confirmed the results obtained through the X-ray diffraction studies.