Synthesis of La0.9Sr0.1Al0.85Mg0.1Co0.05O2.875 using a polymeric method

Nanocrystalline La0.9Sr0.1Al0.85Mg0.1Co0.05O2.875 (LSAMC) powders were synthesized via a polymeric method using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The effect of PVA content on the synthesized powders was studied. When the ratio of positively charged valences (Mn+) to hydroxyl groups (OH) is 1.5:1, crystalline LaAlO3 could be obtained at such a low calcination temperature as 700 °C. While at 900 °C the ratio is of less importance, since pure LaAlO3 perovskite could be formed for all powders after calcination at 900 °C. Thermal analysis (TG/DTA) was utilized to characterize the thermal decomposition behaviour of precursor powders. The chemical structure of the calcined powder was studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The powder morphology and microstructure were examined by SEM. Dense pellets with well-developed submicron microstructures could be formed after sintering at 1450 °C for 5 h. Compared with the solid-state reaction method, the sintering temperature is substantially lower for powder prepared by the PVA method. This is due to the ultrafine and highly reactive powder produced.