Effect of sol-gel and solid-state synthesis techniques on structural, morphological, dielectric properties and sintering mechanism of Li2ZnTi3O8 microwave ceramics

Abstract

Li2ZnTi3O8 (LZTO) microwave ceramics have been prepared by sol-gel synthesis and solid state reaction techniques. The powder obtained by sol-gel synthesis method and solid state reaction method were calcined at 700 °C for 4 h and 900 °C for 4 h, respectively, and pressed into disc shaped pellets, which were then sintered at 800–950 °C (sol-gel synthesis method) and 1050–1200 °C (solid state reaction method). The microwave dielectric properties of ceramics were investigated. Compared to Li2ZnTi3O8 ceramics prepared by solid-state process (εr = 24.1, Q × f = 56874 GHz, τf = -17.6 × 10−6/°C, at 1150 °C), the ceramics synthesized through sol-gel techniques exhibited a more compact structure at a lower sintering temperature of 900 °C and demonstrated improved microwave dielectric properties: εr = 27.7,Q × f = 60579 GHz,τf = −15.68 × 10−6/°C. A comprehensive explanation of the sintering mechanism was provided to better understand and control the sintering behavior.