Synthesis and structure of bismuth titanate nanopowders prepared by metalorganic decomposition method

Bismuth titanate (BTO) ceramics nanopowders prepared by metalorganic decomposition method were investigated. It was concluded that the synthesis of the BTO compound takes place through the formation of an intermediate phase of composition Bi12TiO20, which is formed during the heating between 350 and 550 °C. It was observed that the prolonged heat treatment between 550 and 750 °C promotes a rapid consumption by solid-state reaction of the intermediate phase with the formation of BTO. It was suggested that the metallographic precursor synthesis method is useful to prepare ceramics with complex composition such as those of bismuth titanates.