Observations on the synthesis of ALaTiO4 and A2La2Ti3O10 (A = Na+, K+)

ALaTiO4 and A2La2Ti3O10 (A ​= ​Na+, K+) are prepared at very similar temperatures and often co-exist in polycrystalline samples. The use of excess alkaline metal reagent is important in the synthesis not only to compensate for the volatility of the reagent at elevated temperatures, but this also acts to reduce the synthesis temperature of ALaTiO4 and A2La2Ti3O10. The phase competitive nature of ALaTiO4 and A2La2Ti3O10 emphasises the need for careful profile analysis for complete understanding of sample phase composition. [Display omitted] •Synthesis of Ruddlesden-Popper titanates ALaTiO4 (A ​= ​Na or K) presented.•Influence of processing conditions on sample purity established.•Rietveld analysis used to quantify the common synthetic impurities.•Roel of excess reagents as a flux identified.