Preparation of BaTiO3 nanocrystals using a two-phase solvothermal method

Abstract

A two-phase solvothermal synthesis approach for the preparation of hydrophobic BaTiO₃ nanocrystals is reported. Three organic solvents, hexadecene, toluene, and heptane were used as the oil phase and compared to each other with respect to the product quality. The BaTiO₃ particles are crystalline with a mean size of 3.7 nm and can be dispersed in a variety of organic solvents forming highly transparent dispersions. X-Ray diffraction patterns indicate the presence of the cubic phase even after calcination at 800 °C. Transparent polymer nanocomposites (T > 80%) are obtained from the hydrophobic BaTiO₃ nanocrystals (1–3 wt%) and lauryl acrylate.