Synthesis of SrTiO3 from celestite and rutile by mechanical activation assisted Solid-State reaction

This study introduced a novel synthesis of SrTiO3 employing the mechanical activation-assisted solid-state reaction of SrSO4 and TiO2. The synthesis process was monitored through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM). The mechanical activation caused an intense distortion to the crystal structure of SrSO4 and TiO2, enhancing their chemical reactivities. As a result, SrTiO3 could be synthesized from a mechanically activated SrSO4-TiO2 mixture after thermal treatment at 1000 degrees C in an inert atmosphere that was not possible for the non-activated mixture. The formation of strontium titanate was retarded and slowed down in the air under the same conditions. The maximum yield of SrTiO3 (about 97%) was obtained after milling for 10 h, followed by solid-state treatment at 1000 degrees C for 2 h under argon atmosphere. XRD analysis showed that the produced SrTiO3 had a mean crystallite size of 70 nm. SEM investigation indicated the formation of cubic-like particles of less than 100 nm particle size. Also, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis confirmed that the atomic percentage of Sr, Ti, and O in the product was typically matched with the SrTiO3 chemical formula. (C) 2022 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier BV and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study presents a novel synthesis method for SrTiO3 using mechanical activation-assisted solid-state reaction. The mechanical activation enhances the chemical reactivity of SrSO4 and TiO2, enabling the synthesis of SrTiO3 at a high yield. The synthesized SrTiO3 exhibits a small crystallite size and cubic-like particle morphology.