The characterization of mixed titanate Ba_1−xSr_xTiO₃ phase formation from oxalate coprecipitated precursor

Abstract

Mixed titanates Ba_1−xSr_xTiO₃ were synthesized via calcination of oxalate coprecipitated precursors. On heating there were three thermal event occurred: T<250°C corresponds to the evaporation of trapped water and dehydration, T=250°C–450°C corresponds to the decomposition of oxalate and the formation of an intermediate phase where the composition is close to [Ba_1−xSr_x]₂Ti₂O₅.CO₃ and T=600°C–700°C corresponds to the carbonate decomposition and the formation of Ba_1−xSr_xTiO₃ phase. Powders calcined at T=700°C for 2 h are single phase, have grain size ranges of 0.2–2 μm and elongated morphology. Rietveld refinements of the XRD data showed single phase of perovskite structure in which their tetragonality decreased with increasing concentration of Sr²⁺ incorporated in Ba²⁺ site. The transition temperature showed strong correlation with the tetragonality.