A novel method for the preparation of Bi2Ti2O7 pyrochlore

In this study, we report a novel synthesis procedure of Bi2Ti2O7 Pyrochlore crystals with deviation from stoichiometry through a very convenient solvothermal method. The bismuth nitrate and tetrabutyl titanate are used as reactant, and ethanol and glycerin are used as solvent. As alcohol promotes the formation of bismuth oxide sol but inhibits the development and growth of nanometer TiO2 crystal, the phase pure Bi2Ti2O7 is formed when the molar ratio of bismuth nitrate and tetrabutyl titanate is 0.4:1. The sample was characterized by XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM. TEM, BET and UV-vis method. The as-prepared Bi2Ti2O7 with a good sunlight activity is spherical and average particle size is about 3 nm. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.