Solid State Reactions: Preparation of Solid Solutions and Pure Alkaline-Earth Titanates to Study their Dependence on Vegard’s Law

Abstract

This laboratory experiment consists of the synthesis of two series of alkaline-earth titanates (calcium–strontium and strontium–barium) to corroborate Vegard′s law by obtaining their X-ray diffraction patterns and plotting the lattice parameter versus mole fraction of both cations. This experiment allows students to understand the key concepts in the solid state chemistry of a lattice parameter, a cubic Bravais network, a perovskite type structure, substitutional solid solutions, Vegard′s law and its deviations, Miller indices, and X-ray diffraction principles. In addition, it gives students the opportunity to acquire technical skills in ceramic synthesis and X-ray diffraction pattern interpretation.