Green synthesis of ultra-long K2Ti4O9 whiskers via cornstarch foamed calcination for large scale application

Abstract

A green synthesis approach of ultra-long K2Ti4O9 whiskers suitable for large-scale application via cornstarch foamed calcination was investigated. The addition of cornstarch forms well-defined ∼ 10 μm pores and a CO2-rich atmosphere to inhibit K2CO3 decomposition. The delayed decomposition generates high amounts of K2O melt which fosters the interface growth of whiskers with lengths up to 1 mm and high aspect ratios exceeding 5000. The resulting whiskers exhibit high crystallinity, meeting strict size requirements for various applications.