An Aqueous Sol-Gel Route to MNbO3 (M=Li, Na, K) Fibers

Abstract

Alkali metal niobate MNbO₃ (M=Li, Na, K) fibers have been prepared by the aqueous sol-gel route using the freshly precipitated hydrated niobium oxide and alkali metal acetate as starting materials, citric acid as chelating agent and hydrogen peroxide as catalyst. The green fibers and its revolution at elevated temperature were also studied with thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results showed the as-prepared fibers were of the order of 3-5 μm in diameter, in which the particle size was ca. 40-50 nm.