Low temperature synthesis and optical properties of CaTiO3 nanoparticles from Ca(NO3)2·4H2O and TiO2 nanocrystals

Choosing low-melting-point Ca(NO₃)₂·4H₂O and high-reactive-activity TiO₂ nanocrystals as the raw materials, a simple and cost-effective route was developed for the synthesis of CaTiO₃ nanoparticles at 600 °C, which is much lower than that (about 1350 °C) used in the conventional solid state reaction methods. X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of orthorhombic phase CaTiO₃ nanoparticles with oxygen-deficiency at the surface. UV-vis absorption spectrum of the as-obtained CaTiO₃ nanoparticles displayed an absorption peak centered at around 325 nm (3.8 eV), together with a tail at lower energy side. Room temperature photoluminescence spectrum of the as-obtained CaTiO₃ nanoparticles upon laser excitation at 325 nm demonstrated a strong and broad visible light emission ranging from about 527 to 568 nm, which may be originated from the surface states and defect levels.