A Pechini‐based chemical synthesis route was used to produce powders of Na0.5K0.5NbO3 (NKN). The thermochemistry of the gel was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis‐fourier transform infrared (TGA‐FTIR) evolved gas analysis; in addition, powder FTIR was used to analyze the gel residues after different heat treatments. The final decomposition of the organic components occurred at ∼650°C. However, hydrated–carbonated secondary phase(s) were detected by FTIR in powders that had been heated at 700°C, indicating that the NKN nanopowders are susceptible to a reaction with atmospheric moisture and carbon dioxide. The NKN particle sizes were in the range 50–150 nm after decomposition at 700°C.
Sodium potassium niobate powders have been produced successfully using a Pechini sol–gel method modified with a novel niobium precursor. The decomposition of the gels produced by this method was observed with thermogravimetric analysis and evolved gas mass spectrometry. This showed three main weight loss stages up to 1000°C arising from the loss of water, methane and carbon dioxide. The effect of different heat treatments of the equimolar gel was studied and correlated to particle properties and phase development. The resultant calcined powders were nanosized and single phase with some residual organic material and water. The effect of varying the composition between sodium niobate and potassium niobate was also studied and correlated to particle size and phase development.
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