KxNa1−xNbO3 powder synthesized by molten-salt process

KxNa1-xNbO3 ceramic powders were synthesised from different salts (NaCl, KCl, NaCl-KCl). The results revealed that KxNa1-xNbO3 powders with single-phase perovskite structure were formed at a low temperature such as 750 C. The type of salts had significant effects on the morphology and chemical composition of the powders. As Na+ has a higher diffusing rate and occupies the A-site in the perovskite structure more easily when compared to K+, the powder contained only a small amount of K+ (x about 0.10) when it was synthesised according to the formula K0.5Na0.5NbO3 and in a flux containing the same molar content of Na+ and K+. By using a NaCl or KCl salt, the K+ concentration x can be adjusted to almost 0 and 0.77, respectively. 13 refs.