X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization of barium titanate ceramics prepared by the citric route. Residual carbon study

Abstract

Powder and ceramics of barium titanate prepared by the citric process were studied by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Spectra of C1s, O1s, Ti2p, Ba3d, and Ba4d levels are analyzed in powder and ceramics immediately after the sintering step and after several months of exposure in the air. Ar-ion etching allowed one to characterize the material intrinsic carbon. The results are discussed in comparison with works previously published on oxide single crystals.