Spray pyrolysis of Fe3O4-BaTiO3 composite particles

Abstract

Fe3O4-BaTiO3 composite particles were successfully prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. A mixture of iron(III) nitrate, barium acetate and titanium tetrachloride aqueous solution were atomized into the mist, and the mist was dried and pyrolyzed in N2 (90%) and H2 (10%) atmosphere. Fe3O4-BaTiO 3 composite particle was obtained between 900° and 950°C while the coexistence of FeO was detected at 1000°C. Transmission electron microscope observation revealed that the composite particle is consisted of nanocrystalline having primary particle size of 35 nm. Lattice parameter of the Fe3O4-BaTiO3 nanocomposite particle was 0.8404 nm that is larger than that of pure Fe3O4. Coercivity of the nanocomposite particle (390 Oe) was much larger than that of pure Fe 3O4 (140 Oe). These results suggest that slight diffusion of Ba into Fe3O4 occurred. © 2008 The American Ceramic Society.