In situ growth BaTiO3 nanocubes and their superlattice from an aqueous processElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c2nr11594h

Ordered aggregated BaTiO 3 nanocubes with a narrow size distribution were obtained in an aqueous process by using bis(ammonium lactate) titanium dihydroxide (TALH) as Ti source in the presence of oleic acid and tert -butylamine. Kinetics of the formation of BaTiO 3 nanocubes indicated that an in situ growth mechanism was dominant and the superlattice of nanocubes formed in situ through the growth of BaTiO 3 nanoparticles in Ti-based hydrous gel. The size and morphology of nanocubes were controlled by tuning the concentration and molar ratio of surfactants. A novel growth model dependant on the structure of Ti precursor for the formation and morphology control of BaTiO 3 nanocubes and their superlattice was demonstrated. An in situ growth mechanism was dominant for the formation of BaTiO 3 nanocubes, and superlattice of nanocubes in situ formed in Ti-based hydrogel.