Novel SrTi1−xFexO3 nanocubes synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method

Abstract

We report herein for the first time a facile synthesis method to obtain SrTi1−xFexO3 nanocubes by means by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal (MAH) method at 140 °C. The effect of iron addition on the structural and morphological properties of SrTiO3 was investigated. X-ray diffraction measurements show that all STFO samples present a cubic perovskite structure. X-ray absorption spectroscopy at Fe absorption K-edge measurements revealed that iron ions are in a mixed Fe2+/Fe3+ oxidation state and preferentially occupy the Ti4+-site. UV-visible spectra reveal a reduction in the optical gap (Egap) of STFO samples as the amount of iron is increased. An analysis of the data obtained by field emission scanning electron microscopy points out that the nanoparticles present a cubic morphology independently of iron content. According to high-resolution transmission electron microscopy results, these nanocubes are formed by a self-assembly process of small primary nanocrystals.