Oleic acid assisted synthesis of CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ powders and ceramics by sol–gel process

Abstract

The CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ (CCTO) powders were prepared via a sol–gel method using oleic acid (OA) as surfactant. The obtained samples were characterized by thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimeter Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope, the relative density and the dielectric properties of the ceramics were also investigated. The XRD patterns confirm the formation of CCTO crystal phase and no new peaks appeared whether the dispersant was added or not. The dispersibility of the CCTO powders is improved by adding OA as surfactant. The CCTO prepared without surfactant contains particles of various sizes ranging from 200 to 250 nm whereas the CCTO prepared with OA shows uniform particle size about 120–150 nm. The CCTO ceramics prepared with OA has higher dielectric constant (199484) and lower dielectric loss (0.0977) at 25 °C (10 kHz).