Synthesis and characterization of barium titanate-based solid solution nanocubes

Ba(Zr-x,Ti1-x)O-3 nanocubes (BZT(x) NCs) were synthesized by hydrothermal reaction with titanium and zirconium aqueous compounds and surfactants. The nanocubes were assembled on the substrates by dropping-drying method. The microstructures of the nanocube were evaluated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The ordered assemblies of the NCs were yielded on the substrate when Zr contents were below 0.2. BZT(0.2) NCs had narrow size distribution about 20 nm observed by FE-SEM and TEM. On the other hand, BZT(0.5) and BaZrO3 NCs were attached each other and they formed large cube above 100 nm. Perovskite phase was confirmed in all BZT(x) NCs by X-ray diffraction. Lattice constant of BZT(x) NCs increased linearly with increasing Zr contents. The composition of BZT(0.2) NCs were calculated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These results suggest that the ratio of Ba:Zr:Ti is nearly equal to the nominal ratio. Crystallographic phase of BaTiO3 and BZT(0.2) NCs was characterized by Raman spectroscopy under various measurement temperatures. (C) 2016 The Ceramic Society of Japan. All rights reserved.