Facile Synthesis of BaTiO3 Nanotubes and Their Microwave Absorption Properties

Uniform BaTiO3 nanotubes were synthesized via a simple wet chemical route at low temperature (50 degrees C). The assynthesized BaTiO3 nanotubes were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that the BaTiO3 nanotubes formed a cubic phase with an average diameter of similar to 10 nm and wall thickness of 3 nm at room temperature. The composition of the mixed solvent (ethanol and deionized water) was a key factor in the formation of these nanotubes; we discuss possible synthetic mechanisms. The microwave absorption properties of the BaTiO3 nanotubes were studied at microwave frequencies between 0.5 and 15 GHz. The minimum reflection loss of the BaTiO3 nanotubes/paraffin wax composite (BaTiO3 nanotubes weight fraction = 70%) reached 21.8 dB (similar to 99.99% absorption) at 15 GHz, and the frequency bandwidth less than -10 dB is from 13.3 to 15 GHz. The excellent absorption property of BaTiO3 nanotubes at high frequency indicates that these nanotubes could be promising microwave-absorbing materials.