Synthesis of La2NiO4 via a PVA-based route

Single-phase La2NiO4 has been prepared using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a complexing agent. Thermogravimetric (TG), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize precursor and derived oxide powders. The particle size and morphologies of La2NiO4 crystallites were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FSEM). The effect of the mol ratios of metal ion to hydroxyl groups in polyvinyl alcohol on the formation of La2NiO4 was investigated. XRD analysis showed that single-phase and well-crystallized La2NiO4 was obtained from precursor with M/OH = 1:3 at 900 °C. The La2NiO4 ceramics sintered at 1300 °C for 4 h exhibits an electrical conductivity of 42.5 Ω−1 cm−1 at room temperature.