Size-controllable synthesis of lithium niobate nanocrystals using modified Pechini polymeric precursor method

Nanopowders of lithium niobate (LiNbO₃, LN) were synthesized by a water-based modified Pechini method, in which Li₂CO₃ and ammonium niobate (v) oxalate hydrate (C₄H₄NNbO₉·xH₂O) are used as the Li and Nb source materials, respectively. The kinetics of formation of the intermediate gelatinous precursor was studied by thermal gravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. The LN nanoparticles produced by calcining of the gel at various temperatures were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The effect of the calcination temperature on the morphology and structure of LN nanoparticles produced is investigated. The particle and crystallite sizes of the LN prepared could be controlled in the range of 20–250 nm by changing the calcination temperature of the gelatinous precursor.