Observations on the synthesis of ALaTiO4 and A2La2Ti3O10 (A = Na+, K plus )

ALaTiO4 and A2La2Ti3O10 (A = Na+, K+) are prepared at very similar temperatures and often co-exist in poly-crystalline samples. The use of excess alkaline metal reagent is important in the synthesis not only to compensate for the volatility of the reagent at elevated temperatures, but this also acts to reduce the synthesis temperature of ALaTiO4 and A2La2Ti3O10. The phase competitive nature of ALaTiO4 and A2La2Ti3O10 emphasises the need for careful profile analysis for complete understanding of sample phase composition.

Automated summary

ALaTiO4 and A2La2Ti3O10 (A = Na+, K+) are prepared at similar temperatures and often coexist in poly-crystalline samples. The use of excess alkaline metal reagent compensates for reagent volatility and reduces the synthesis temperature. The phase competition between ALaTiO4 and A2La2Ti3O10 highlights the importance of careful profile analysis for complete understanding of sample phase composition.