Synthesis and characterization of BaTiO₃ doped with Eu³⁺ by the reaction solid-state method

Barium Titanate (BaTiO₃ ) doped with Eu³⁺ was synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. The milling of BaCO₃, TiO₂ and Eu₂ O₃ was carried out in an agate mortar with acetone as a control medium for 25 min and compositions of x = 0.001, 0.007, 0.05 and 0.1% by weight of Eu³⁺. The precursor powders TiO₂, BaCO₃ and Eu₂ O₃ were mixed and calcined at 800 °C for 8 h and sintered at 1200 °C for 5 h. X-ray diffraction results revealed the predominant ferroelectric tetragonal BaTiO₃ phase for low compositions, and secondary phases (Eu₂ TiO₅ ) for mixtures with high concentrations of Eu³⁺. The X-ray mapping images showed a uniform distribution of Ti, Ba and Eu in the samples. The incorporation of Eu³⁺ ions into the BaTiO₃ system could greatly manifest dielectric properties and can find immense scope in electronic elements including ceramic capacitors.