Exact size control of KTa0.5Nb0.5O3 nanoparticles using flexible hydrothermal conditions

KTa0.5Nb0.5O3 (KTN) nanoparticles with a perovskite structure were synthesized in orthogonal experiments under different hydrothermal conditions. Controlled sizes were generated by analyzing four variables using an orthogonal array experimental design (OA16 matrix): reaction temperature, KOH concentration, reaction time and solution volume. The effects of the four factors on the KTN nanoparticle size were systematically examined using range analysis and analysis of variance. The KOH concentration had the largest effect on the average size of the KTN nanoparticles. The KTN particles with a designed grain size can be obtained by controlling the four effect factors.