As layer thickness of multilayer ceramic capacitors decreases, nanoparticles of high dielectric materials, especially BaTiO 3, are needed. Tabular metal nanoparticles produce thin metal layers with low surface roughness via electrophoretic deposition. To achieve similar results in dielectric layers requires the synthesis and dispersion of tabular BaTiO 3 nanoparticles. In the current study, the synthesis of BaTiO 3 was investigated using a hydrothermal route. Transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscpy analyses show that the synthesized particles are single crystal with a 〈111〉 zone axis and a median thickness of 5.8 nm and face diameter of 27.1 nm. Particle growth is likely controlled by the formation of {111} twins and the synthesis pH, which stabilizes the {111} face during growth. With limited growth in the 〈111〉 direction, the particles develop a platelike morphology. Physical property characterization shows the powder is of high purity with low hydrothermal defect concentrations and controlled stoichiometry.

Silica coated CdS tabular nanocomposites were synthesized through precipitation of CdS nanoparticles in octylamine/water bilayer system followed by in situ hydrolysis of tetraethoxylsilicate (TEOS) precursor. Face diameter of the nanoplatelets was in the range of 50-250 nm with a variable thickness (3 to 25 nm) dictated by octylamine content or R ratio ([water]/[octylamine]). A uniform SiO2 outer shell of about 15 nm was observed regardless of the size of the high aspect ratio CdS nanoplatelets, which appeared to be agglomerated primarily owing to the confined bilayer template. Morphology and microstructure of the CdS/SiO2 tabular nanocomposites were characterized using atomic force microscope (AFM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). A noticeable enhancement in absorbance for the UV-vis spectra was observed due to the SiO2 coating layer. Growth mechanism of nanocomposite platelets and potential applications associated with this anisotropic nanocomposite are discussed.