Low-temperature chemical synthesis of nanocrystalline KTiOPO4

Abstract

Nanocrystalline KTiOPO4 powders were prepared through a chemical process. This process involved the hydrolysis of KOOCCH3 · 2H2O, Ti(OC4H9)4, and PO(OR)3 to produce a homogeneous solution. A gel was formed by the partial evaporation of this solution. After the gel was decomposed at 450 °C, white amorphous powder remained. On calcinating up to 550 °C, the amorphous powder began to transform into nanocrystalline KTiOPO4 powders with an average particle size of 30–50 nm. The KTiOPO4 powders were investigated through x-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy studies.