Synthesis, characterization and dielectric properties of nanocrystalline strontium zirconate prepared through a modified reverse micellar route

Abstract

Nanocrystalline strontium zirconate has been synthesized using a modified reverse micellar route (avoiding Sr-alkoxide). Powder X-ray diffraction studies show the monophasic nature of the powder of SrZrO₃ after heating at 800 °C. The particle size has been obtained from X-ray line broadening studies (~62 nm) and transmission electron microscopic studies (~72 nm). The average grain size of 85 nm was found to be reasonably stable to sintering till 1000 °C. A dielectric constant of 19.8 is observed for nanocrystalline SrZrO₃ sintered at 1000 °C. Detailed dielectric studies have been carried out with respect to frequency and temperature.