Synthesis and Dielectric Properties of Nanocrystalline Strontium Bismuth Niobate

Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization and dielectric properties of nanocrystalline ferroelectric ceramic of strontium bismuth niobate (SrBi₂Nb₂O₉; SBN). The material was prepared by simple sol–gel combustion route using strontium nitrate, bismuth nitrate pentahydrate and niobium oxide in presence of sucrose. During synthesis, the sucrose played dual role, i.e., as the gelling agent and combustion fuel. The prepared material was characterized in detail using several techniques such as differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric (DTA-TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). These techniques were utilized to describe the thermal stability, crystal structure, crystallite size and morphologies of the prepared material. Further, the dielectric properties of the prepared SBN sample were investigated at various frequencies and temperatures.