Elastic properties of nano structured AZrO3 (A=Ba, Sr) single perovskites

Nanocrystals of barium zirconate and strontium zirconate AZrO3 (A=Ba and Sr) were synthesized by a unique self-sustained single-step combustion of an aqueous solution, containing Ba, Sr and Zr ions by using citric acid as complexing agent and liquor ammonia as fuel, thus giving rise to phase pure AZrO3 nanopowder. In this process, a single phase pure nanopowder of AZrO3 has been obtained without the need of calcination steps. The formation and stability of the compound was confirmed through the tolerance factor on the basis of the ionic radii of all the atoms of the compound. Phase-purity of the as-prepared powders was examined using X-ray diffraction. As-prepared powder was single phase, crystalline, and composed of uniform particles with sizes 20-30 nm. The crystal structure of AZrO3 are respective cubic (Pm3-bar m, a=4.1839A) and orthorhombic (Pnma, a=5.7937A, b=8.17648A and c=5.7694A). Annealed samples of SrZrO3 has improved crystal structure with a=5.764A, b=8.2292A and c=5.7989A, comparable to the standards. Microstrain acting on all the planes of the material is positive which indicates presence of tensile stress on the material. The calculated compressive stress on the surface of' the nanopowder is of the order 0.213 GPa to -0.274 GPa for BaZrO3 and 4.443 GPa to -0.220 GPa for SrZrO3 along various planes of the particles. (author)