Particle-shape control of molten salt synthesized lead titanate

Lead titanate PbTiO₃ (PT) powders with different morphologies were synthesized using a molten salt method. Amorphous PT powder was prepared from an aqueous nitrate solution, mixed with a eutectic of NaCl-KCl, and then heated at 850°C for 1 h. The effect of additives such as LiF, NaF and LiCl on the particle morphology and size of the derived PT was studied. Adding small amount of LiF (<1 wt.%) to the salt, cubic-shaped particles were obtained. The Li ions played an important role on the formation of cubic PT particles. In addition, LiF was more effective on the growth of cubic particle than LiCl. Furthermore, new useful molten salt systems composed of KCl and LiF were developed to make cubic and rectangular-shaped PT particles