Influence of precursors on formation of TiO 2 –CrTaO 4 rutile solid solutions

Abstract

Rutile solid solutions Cr_x Ti_1-2xTa_xO₂ (0 < x < 0·5) have been synthesised by: firing mixtures of Cr₂O₃, Ta₂O₅, and TiO₂ (anatase); firing colloidal gels obtained from TiCl₄, TaCl₅, and CrCl₃. 6H₂O; and firing polymeric gels prepared from Ti⁴⁺ isopropoxide, Ta⁵⁺ethoxide, and Cr³⁺ acetylacetonate at 300–1300°C. Samples were characterised by XRD, differential thermal and thermogravimetric analysis, UV visible spectroscopy, Cielab colour parameter measurements, and electron microscopy. In samples synthesised from oxide mixtures, CrTaO₄ (rutile structure) appeared as an intermediate phase in the formation of the solid solutions and a positive departure from Vegard's law was observed. Ta₂O₅ segregation in gel samples seems to prevent the formation of material consisting only of rutile. The distortion of MO₆ octahedra varies as x increases. The chemical, structural, and thermal stability, and the colouration obtained on glazes containing 3 wt-%samples, indicate their potential for use as ceramic pigments. Under the experimental conditions used, the materials prepared by sol–gel synthesis were not found to be better than those prepared from oxide mixtures.