Stick-like titania precursor route to MTiO3 (M = Sr, Ba, and Ca) polyhedra

Abstract

In this paper, MTiO₃ (M = Sr, Ba, and Ca) perovskite polyhedra have been successfully synthesized through a facile hydrothermal route, in which appropriate amounts of metal salts and sodium hydroxide are mixed with the stick-like titania powders to fabricate the products. Cubic SrTiO₃, dodecahedral BaTiO₃, and cross-shaped CaTiO₃ perovskites are finally obtained. The experimental conditions have also been investigated in detail and a feasible growth mechanism is proposed to illustrate the formation of MTiO₃ perovskites. Furthermore, we demonstrate the possibility of the method, in which titania nanorods act as the precursor, to produce titanate compounds with a unique morphology. This work not only enriches the synthesis methods of MTiO₃ perovskites, but also facilitates the study of potential applications of titanate perovskite compounds.