Peroxide Route Towards Low Temperature Synthesis of LiNbO₃: An Environmentally Benign Approach

Abstract

Powders of LiNbO₃ were synthesized by novel peroxide route based on reaction of niobium peroxide and lithium hydroxide. A pH of 11 was found to provide optimum condition for the formation of peroxo niobium precursor complex [Nb(O₂)₄]^3-. The replacement of peroxide ligand was favored by increasing the reaction temperature above ambient. This method demonstrated its efficacy in obtaining pure and homogeneous crystalline LiNbO₃ powders at reduced temperature (400°C) without involvement of organic substance. The crystalline phase was characterized via powder X-ray diffraction and Infrared, Raman spectroscopy. SEM micrographs enabled in detecting the formation of inverse opal of LiNbO₃. For comparison LiNbO₃ was also prepared by amorphous complex method independently and characterized. The peroxide approach presented here gives an alternative for the preparation of multi component oxides free from organics and chlorides.