Metal organic precursor derived Ba1-xCaxZrO3 (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) nanoceramics for excellent capacitor applications

Abstract

Monophasic nanoceramics of calcium doped barium zirconate (BCZ) Ba1-xCaxZrO3 (x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20) have been manufactured via easy and cost effective metal organic precursor route at 1000 °C. The structural elucidations of the BCZ nanoparticles were confirmed by different analytical techniques i.e. SEM, TEM, XRD etc. Moreover, the elemental composition and detailed surface area were estimated through EDS/EDX and BET analysis. TEM particle sizes of Ba1-xCaxZrO3 (x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20) were found in the range of 75–42 nm. Mixed (spherical, hexagonal and cubic) morphology and shapes of the nanoceramics were established by SEM and TEM studies. The incorporation of calcium to BaZrO3 host lattice confirmed by EDS/EDX studies. Very high specific surface area was achieved (233–271 m2 g−1) for Ba1-xCaxZrO3 (x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20) nanoceramics which is corroborated well with TEM particle size and pore (BJH and DA) size studies. Excellent dielectric properties of BCZ were found at room temperature in the frequency range of 20 kHz to 1 MHz. As the concentration of Ca2+ ion increased the values of dielectric constant were found to increase (48.1–284.7). High surface area and excellent porosity with high dielectric constant of BCZ could make it as an ideal material for energy devices. Keywords: Synthesis, Nanoceramics, Surface area, Energy storage and conversion