Synthesis of la1-xMxTiO3 (M = Na, K; 0≤x≤ 0.4) and the electrical properties

Abstract Polycrystalline materials of La1-x M x TiO3 (M = Na, K; 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) were prepared by solid-state reactions under an Ar atmosphere and their electrical properties were investigated as possible candidates for superconducting oxides. XRD analysis showed that the formation of orthorhombic perovskite-type compounds were obtained when x = 0 (LaTiO3) and that pseudo-cubic or cubic phases were obtained when x ≥ 0.1. The lattice constants of the products decreased when x increased, suggesting the formation of solid solutions. There were small deficiencies of the alkali metals. The products in both systems showed semiconductor to metal transitions as temperature decreased when x ≥ 0.1, and striking decreases of resistivity around 25 K were observed in both systems.