Auto-combustion synthesis of perovskite-type oxides SrTi1−xFexO3−δ

A versatile one-pot auto-combustion method for the synthesis of powders of iron-doped strontium titanate, SrTi1−xFexO3−δ, has been developed. The synthesis is optimized by the combined use of EDTA and citric acid as chelating agents, and an appropriate balance between fuel and oxidizing elements in the reaction mixture. The method produces immediately an almost phase-pure perovskite oxide powder, with an ultra-fine crystallite size of 20–40 nm, and with a low level of organic residues. Highly sinter-active powders are obtained after calcination and ball-milling of the powders