Optimization of Synthesis Conditions of Monoclinic Potassium Niobate ( <scp>KN</scp> bO ₃ ) and its Effect on Morphology

Abstract

Stoichiometric orthorhombic and monoclinic KN bO 3 samples have been prepared through low temperature–time hydrothermal method. Optimized synthesis conditions for monoclinic KN bO 3 have been found to be hydrothermal treatment of 15 M precursor solution at 160°C for 8 h. Transformation of orthorhombic KN bO 3 to monoclinic KN bO 3 has been established through thermodynamic considerations. Further, successful synthesis of orthorhombic KN bO 3 has also been achieved under moderated conditions. FESEM analyses of synthesized materials revealed that initially formed block‐like structures either stack upon one another to form hierarchical morphology or join end to end to form rods. Observations have been substantiated through HRTEM , EDX , FTIR , and Raman spectra analyses.