Growth and characterization of pure and lithium doped strontium tartrate tetrahydrate crystals by solution-gel technique

The effect of lithium ion as dopant on the size and transparency of strontium tartrate tetrahydrate (SrC4H4O6 center dot 4H(2)O) crystals are presented in this paper. Growth of single crystals of undoped and lithium doped strontium tartrate tetrahydrate by controlled diffusion of strontium nitrate into the gel charged with tartaric acid at room temperature are narrated. The lithium ion enhances the size and transparency of the doped crystals. The crystal structure of the compound was confirmed by X-ray diffractometry and dopant concentration with ICP-atomic emission spectrometer system. Thermal decomposition of the grown crystals is investigated by TGA and DTA studies. The FTIR spectra of pure and doped crystals are recorded and analysed. Kurtz powder technique has been used to test SHG efficiency of the crystals.