Preparation of the solid solution Sn0.5Ti0.5O2 from an oxide mixture via a mechanochemical process

Abstract

The solid solution Sn0.5Ti0.5O2 was prepared by a high-energy ball milling process from the oxide mixture of SnO2 and TiO2. After milling for 5 h, the sample was still a mixture of TiO2 and SnO2 although the grain size was greatly reduced. Ten-hour milling led to single phase Sn0.5Ti0.5O2. The effect of calcination on the phase formation and stability was investigated. The Sn0.5Ti0.5O2 was stable up to 900°C and separated into a Sn-rich phase (Sn0.77Ti0.23O2) and a Ti-rich phase (Sn0.17Ti0.83O2) at temperature above 1000°C.