Fine PMN powders prepared from nitrate solutions

A partial coprecipitation method was developed in order to synthesize lead magnesium niobate Pb(Mg_1/3Nb(2/3))O₃ (PMN) powders from nitrate solutions. To obtain a niobium precursor compatible with the chemical routes, peroxo-niobium complex solutions were prepared by dissolving hydrated niobia precipitates in a dilute nitric acid solution with hydrogen peroxide. Fine PMN powders were prepared from these nitrate solutions by two-stage hydrolysis. During calcination, these amorphous powders began to crystallize simultaneously to both a cubic pyrochlore phase and a cubic perovskite phase at about 400°C