A modified method for barium titanate nanoparticles synthesis

Graphical abstract: TEM micrograph of BaTiO3 powders synthesized at 800 °C for 1 h and SAED pattern (inset) of BaTiO3 powders. In this research, a modified, cost efficient and quick sol–gel procedure was used for preparation of BaTiO3 nanoparticles. Highlights: ► A modified process was used for preparation. ► The modified process led to preparation of finer BaTiO3 nanoparticles in shorter period of time and lower temperature contrary to previous researches. ► The proposed procedure seems to be more preferable for mass production. -- Abstract: In this research, a modified, cost effective sol–gel procedure applied to synthesize BaTiO3 nanoparticles. XRD and electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) applied for microstructural characterization of powders. The obtained results showed that the type of precursors, their ratio and the hydrolysis conditions had a great effect on time, temperature and therefore the costs of the synthesis process. By selection, utilization of optimized precursor's type, hydrolysis conditions, fine cubic BaTiO3 nanoparticles were synthesized at low temperature and in short time span (1 h calcination at 800 °C). The proposed procedure seems to be more preferable for mass production. The result indicated that the polymorphic transformation to tetragonal (ferroelectric characteristic) occurred at 900 °C, which might be an indication of being nanosized.