Synthesis, characterization and electrical properties of nanostructured LaAlO3 by sol–gel auto combustion method

Abstract

Semiconductive nanostructured LaAlO3 was synthesized by sol–gel auto combustion method using inorganic reagents as La (NO3)3·6H2O, Al (NO3)3·9H2O and glycine as a fuel. Structural characterization of prepared sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphology of the particle was found by scanning electron microscopy while elemental composition by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to study the nanostructure of the material. XRD pattern reveals the formation of single phase orthorhombic structure without any other phase formation. The system LaAlO3 show porous morphology. Particle size obtained from TEM analysis was found to be ~40 nm. The FTIR spectra showed the characteristic of two strong absorption bands at 656 and 442 cm−1 corresponding to metal–oxygen bond vibrations for the perovskite structure compound. Superhydrophilic nature of LaAlO3 was investigated at room temperature by sessile drop technique. The electrical properties of the compound showed that LaAlO3 exhibits conducting behavior.