Room temperature synthesis of BaTiO₃ nanoparticles using titanium bis(ammonium lactato) dihydroxide

Abstract

BaTiO3, known for its exceptional ferroelectric properties, is extensively applied in multi-layer ceramics capacitors (MLCCs). Achieving reliable, high-performance MLCCs requires sophisticated ceramics processes, notably in synthesizing submicron-order BaTiO3 powder with a narrow size distribution. Among various synthesis methods explored for submicron-size BaTiO3 powder, room temperature liquid-phase synthesis is most desirable due to its cost-effectiveness and large batch availability. In this study, we propose a synthesis method for obtaining BaTiO3 nanopowder at room temperature using titanium bis(ammonium lactato) dihydroxide and Ba(OH)2•8H2O as starting materials, reacted in tert-butylamine with NaOH and ethanol. The resulting powder, exhibiting a cubic phase of BaTiO3 with an average particle size of 35.8 nm, was obtained after a 7-day reaction at room temperature. Characterization involved X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis‒thermogravimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Subsequently, the powder was used to sinter a BaTiO3 ceramic, whose dielectric performance was then evaluated.