Conventional synthesis method for fine polymetallic LaFeO3 using ethylene glycol solvent addition

The metal nitrates were completely dissolved in a mixed solvent (total 100 nil) of ethylene glycol (EG) (0, 5, 10, 15, 25, and 50 ml) and water, and then dried at 120 degrees C to make precursors for the fine LaFeO3 (0.05 mol) material. The main product was not LaFeO3 for the precursor prepared using the nitrate solution containing a small amount of EG (less than 5 ml). The mixed solution of the 10-15 ml EG with water was suitable for the preparation of 0.05 mol LaFeO3. In this case, clear XRD peaks of LaFeO3 single phase were obtained by the calcination even at 350 degrees C using this method. The higher calcination temperature for the formation of the LaFeO3 phase was needed due to the increased EG amount in the solvent. The particle size was ca. 40 nm for the (EG 10 ml) samples calcined at 350-600 degrees C and it increased with an increase in the calcining temperature. (C) 2009 The Ceramic Society of Japan. All rights reserved.