Nd-substituted bismuth titanate ferroelectric nanofibers by electrospinning

Nd-substituted bismuth titanate (Bi-3.Nd-15(0).85Ti3O12, BNT) nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning method utilizing a solution that contained poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and sol-get precursor solution of BNT. The BNT/PVP composite fibers were calcined in air for 1 h at 500, 600, 700, 750, and 800 degrees C, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the as-synthesized and calcined BNT/PVP composite nanofibers. The experimental results showed that the diameter, morphology, and crystallization of the nanofibers are influenced by the calcination temperature. After calcination at 700 degrees C, BNT fibers are fully crystallized and exhibit a polycrystalline bismuth-layered perovskite structure, with a diameter of 70-160 nm and a length of over 6 mu m. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.