Sonochemical activation for BaTiO3 synthesis: A rapid and efficient route to the tetragonal phase

Abstract

Barium titanate is a highly promising ferroelectric material, but its synthesis is often based on lengthy and complex processes. This paper presents the development of an ultrafast synthesis route for producing high-purity tetragonal BaTiO₃. The method combines a brief sonochemical activation (15 min) with conventional calcination. Compared to traditional techniques and other sonochemical-assisted methods, this approach is markedly faster and avoids the need for complex conditions, such as inert atmospheres or extended processing times. Barium acetate with titanium dioxide (S1) and barium carbonate with titanium isopropoxide (S2) underwent sonochemical activation for just 10 min, ensuring complete mixing and activation. After that, both samples were calcined at 1100°C. X-ray refinement indicated the presence of 90.8% and 99.4% tetragonal BaTiO₃ crystalline phases in the S1 and S2 samples, respectively. Raman analyses confirmed vibrational modes characteristic of BaTiO₃, whereas infrared spectra exhibited a prominent band at 488 cm⁻¹, attributed to Ti–O bond vibrations in the tetragonal phase. These results validate the effectiveness of this novel approach for efficiently producing high-purity BaTiO₃ ceramics.