Abstract
The layered titanates with lepidocrocite-like structure are expected as functional materials and also as precursors for soft chemical synthesis because of their excellent ion exchange and intercalation properties. In this study, we tried to hydrothermally synthesize the lepidocrocite-like K0.8Li0.27Ti1.73O4, and control their particle morphologies. The plate-like K0.8Li0.27Ti1.73O4 particles were synthesized by hydrothermal treatment of TiO2 in KOH-LiOH solutions. The formation of K0.8Li0.27Ti1.73O4 phase and its particle morphology were dependent on the concentrations of KOH and LiOH, reaction temperature, particle size and crystal phase of TiO2 starting material. Rutile phase showed a lower reactivity and gave larger particle size of K0.8Li0.27Ti1.73O4, than anatase phase. The particle size of K0.8Li0.27Ti1.73O4 product increased with increasing particle size of TiO2 starting material. The synthesized plate-like K0.8Li0.27Ti1.73O4 particles can be used as the precursor for the synthesis of plate-like BaTiO3 particles by solvothermal reaction.
