Fast synthesis of CuCrO2 delafossite by monomode microwave heating

A new approach, based on microwave heating, is used to synthesis CuCrO2 delafossite by solid state reaction, starting from Cu2O and Cr2O3. It is evidenced that microwave heating enhances solid state reaction kinetics as only 5 min is needed to obtain pure samples. The quality of the products is attested by structural and physical properties characterizations. Powder X-ray diffraction and magnetic and electrical measurements show characteristics typical of the 3R delafossite. Scanning electron microscopy observation of the microstructure evidences a smaller size of the grains, compared to samples prepared by conventional solid state reaction method, which is confirmed by the particle size analysis. (C) 2011 Elsevier By. All rights reserved.