The synthesis of NaSICON-type ZrNb(PO4)3 structure by the use of Pechini method

Sol–gel routes for synthesizing super ionic conducting solids (e.g. NaSICON) are more economically advantageous and results in higher homogeneity and purity as well as finer grain size of the final product compared to other techniques. One prerequisite towards arriving at an effective sol–gel process is to cope with the obstacles at each step of solution and gel preparations, and heat treatment process. In the present work we attempt to develop a procedure for synthesis NaSICON-type ZrNb(PO4)3 based on the Pechini method, which offers easier process and better quality of the final product. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to evaluate the bonding characteristics of the obtained gel. The effect of heat treatment procedure on the purity and crystallographic structure of the final product was studied by the use of X-ray diffraction. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) together with Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) was used to investigate the variations of dried gel properties with temperature and to identify the appropriate heating process.