Gel material (Li:Nb = 1:1) of LiNbO3 has been
prepared from a novel precursor system,
niobium(V) ethoxide−lithium nitrate. The resultant biphasic
gel is calcined at various
elevated temperatures and studied with FTIR/XRD/DTA/SEM methods for gel
composition,
crystallization, and morphological development. The progressive
formation (crystallization)
of LiNbO3 is observed over the calcination temperature
range 200−400 °C. It is found that
grain growth and secondary recrystallization occur sequentially at
higher temperatures.
Retention behaviors of carbon-containing species and nitrate ions
encapsulated in the gel
matrix and a possible LiNbO3 formation mechanism are also
addressed.