Synthesis of textured Bi5Ti3FeO15 and LaBi4Ti3FeO15 ferroelectric layered Aurivillius phases by molten-salt flux methods

The ferroelectric layered Bi{sub 5}Ti{sub 3}FeO{sub 15} and LaBi{sub 4}Ti{sub 3}FeO{sub 15} Aurivillius phases were synthesized in high purity and textured microstructures in a molten Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4}/K{sub 2}SO{sub 4} (1:1 molar ratio) flux in much shortened reaction times, 1 h minimum compared to conventional techniques. The particle growth and microstructure of both phases were investigated as a function of temperature and reaction duration, and yielded plate-like particles that could be synthesized in sizes from 20 {mu}m. The product crystallinity, purity and microstructures were characterized via powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The UV-vis diffuse reflectance of the products were measured and analyzed with respect to the resultant particle sizes.