Synthesis of KNbO3 Nanorods by a Novel Sol-Gel Method

The KNbO3 (KN) nano powders were prepared by a developed sol-gel process, in which a new soluble niobium solution was used as the Nb source instead of the high price niobium alkoxides. The phase formation, structure and morphology of the KN powders were investigated by XRD, FTIR, and TEM techniques. The experimental results show that pure orthorhombic phase KN nano powders are obtained when the calcination temperature is 600 degrees C by the novel sol-gel process, which is more than 200 degrees C lower than solid state reaction. The obtained KN powders are club-shaped, and the KN rods have diameters of 100-200 nm and lengths of 1-3 mu m. The synthesis mechanism of nano rods of KN is also discussed.