Synthesis and characterization of undoped and iron doped barium bismith titanate by Sol-Gel process

Abstract

Sol-Gel route using AR Grade precursors are used to synthesize Barium Bismuth Titanate ceramics. The intermediate gel obtained is made to undergo thermal analyses by DSC- TGA to yield information on crystallization of ceramic phase development. Heat treatment of gel is carried in air atmosphere at about 600°C, 550°C, 500°C for 4 hours, 6 hours and 5 hours respectively. Phase developed by heat treatment is confirmed from XRD as per JCPDS standard file. Crystallite size is estimated by Scherrer’s formula while planes are indexed as per feasibility of thermodynamic stability. Optimized condition for high purity indexed phase development is obtained at about 500°C for 5 hours duration. Bonding analysis is carried by FTIR analyses to determine M-O co-ordinations. Both XRD and FTIR analysis corresponds with the experimental findings to elucidate the ceramic formation. PL Test is done to get absorbance and emission spectra of BBiT, a band gap of 1.78 eV is observed with excitation and emission being 350 nm and 696 nm. FESEM analysis exhibits the morphological features of the synthesized sample and micro-structural evolution with heat treatment temperature and duration. Dense agglomerates with irregular polygonal, spherical to flaky structure are noted in some portions of the micro-structural evolution of the synthesized sample. Iron doped Barium Bismuth Titanate is synthesized using Ferric Nitrate Nonahydrate. XRD shows shifting of peaks at higher angle. Particulates are some plates like shape with some spherical condensed agglomerates.