The preparation of porous perovskite membranes using BaTiO3 nanopowders

The aim of this study was to develop a simple and reliable procedure in order to prepare composite membranes through the deposition of thin porous layers of perovskite-like oxides onto ceramic porous supports. BaTiO3 nanopowders with controlled properties were obtained by Low Temperature Aqueous Synthesis (LTAS) and used as starting materials for the thin film deposition. Process parameters were determined in order to obtain a stable suspension of the nanopowder. The nanopowder was then effectively used to realize the layers with controlled properties. The results of characterisation tests indicated that the porosity of the deposited layers was of a mesoporous type and that the starting nanopowder did not undergo structural changes after the deposition process.