A route for producing nano-CaRuO3 perovskite by combusting precursors prepared using reverse micelle synthesis

Nanoparticles of Ca-Ru-O precursors have been prepared using a reverse micelle. Transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction techniques showed that the precursors had an amorphous structure. The average diameter of the amorphous Ca-Ru-O particles was shown to be approximately 10 nm (within a range of +/- 2 nm). An interesting result was that a rod-like nano-CaRuO3 perovskite was observed when the precursor was sintered at a temperature of 950 degrees C. Furthermore, the conversion of the powders to crystalline CaRuO3 perovskite occurred upon heat treatment at 450 degrees C in air. This is much lower than that for a standard solid-state reaction for CaCO3 and RuO2.