Fast synthesis of CuCrO2 delafossite by monomode microwave heating

Abstract A new approach, based on microwave heating, is used to synthesis CuCrO 2 delafossite by solid state reaction, starting from Cu 2 O and Cr 2 O 3 . It is evidenced that microwave heating enhances solid state reaction kinetics as only 5 min is needed to obtain pure samples. The quality of the products is attested by structural and physical properties characterizations. Powder X-ray diffraction and magnetic and electrical measurements show characteristics typical of the 3R delafossite. Scanning electron microscopy observation of the microstructure evidences a smaller size of the grains, compared to samples prepared by conventional solid state reaction method, which is confirmed by the particle size analysis.