Characterization of BaBi2Ta2O9 prepared through amorphous precursor

Formation of ferroelectric BaBi2Ta2O9 by annealing of an amorphous precursor prepared by high energy milling in ball mill has been studied by X-ray, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman, infrared spectroscopy (IR), diffuse reflectivity and dielectric measurements. Our results show that formation of Bi-layered BaBi2Ta2O9 proceeds via an intermediate fluorite phase. Mechanochemical activation allows obtaining BaBi2Ta2O9 at short time and much lower temperatures than those required in a conventional solid state reaction. The lateral size of the plate-like crystallites is about 100–200 nm and properties of the synthesized particles are different compared to the bulk material.