Nanocrystalline ceramics from sucrose process

Abstract

A variety of nanocrystalline (particle diameter < 100 nm) ceramic powders has been prepared from an innovative sucrose process using metal ion-sucrose (containing 10-20 mol% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)) solution. The process involves the dehydration of metal ion-sucrose solution to a highly viscous liquid, which on decomposition produces the precursor materials. Calcination of the precursors at low external temperatures produces the nanocrystalline ceramic powders. The examples discussed include lead zirconate titanate PbZr0.6Ti0.4O3 (PZT) and spinel ferrites MFe2O4 (M - Co, Ni, Zn). (C) 2001 .