Synthesis, structure and properties of Cu doped Bi4V2O11 via EDTA-citrate gel process

The oxide ion conductor material, Cu doped Bi4V2O11 (BICUVOX.10) powders were prepared by the combined EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid)-citrate synthesis technology. The dried gel was annealed at various temperatures (400-600 degrees C). Powders derived from dried precursor resulted in the mixed phases to BiVO4 and high temperature gamma-phase of Bi4V2O11 by heat-treating below 400 degrees C, and furthermore, yielded only pure gamma-phase above 500 degrees C. A simple surfactant-stabilized method was investigated for the preparation of well-dispersed nanoparticles. It was found that the deagglomeration treatment to the precursor by surfactant polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 was effective in improving the size distribution and annealing conditions of the BICUVOX.10 material.