Synthesis of single crystal of Li-Nb double alkoxide and formation of LiNbO₃

Abstract

Single crystals of Li-Nb double alkoxide were synthesized from a solution of Li ethoxide and Nb ethoxide in Ar atmosphere. Empirical formura of this single crystal was C₂₀H₅₂Li₂Nb₂O₁₂. Single crystals of Li-Nb double alkoxide were converted at low temperatures below 300°C to form LiNbO₃ nano particles. The crystallinity increased with increasing heating temperature. The well-crystallized hexagonal phase was obtained by heating at temperatures over 500°C. The mean particle size of LiNbO₃ heated at 500°C for 1.5h was 33nm.