Preparation and characterizations of ZnTiO3 powders by sol-gel process

ZnTiO3 powders were prepared by a sol-gel method. The gelation conditions and the gelation mechanism were investigated. The crystallization behavior and characteristics of the ZnTiO3 were also investigated in detail. The experimental results show that homogenous and translucent gels can be prepared when the gelation conditions are appropriate and the gelation temperature remains constant. The gel structure can be described as a network of Ti and O, in which zinc ions are well distributed. The ZnTiO3 phase can be detected by XRD in the powders calcined above 700 degrees C. The formation of ZnTiO3 is a slow reaction process, which leads to the development of large ZnTiO3 particles, with dimensions after calcination at 900 degrees C for 2 h in the range of 30-50 mu m.