Structural Characterization of Lithium Doped Nzp Na1-xLixZr(PO4)3(x=0.00-0.75)

Abstract

Sodium zirconium phosphate (NZP) of composition Na_1-xLi_xZr₂(PO₄)₃ (x=0.0-0.75) have been synthesized using solid state reaction, with a view to minimizing the ZrO₂ second phase normally present .The compositions have been characterized by XRD and SEM for phase composition, lattice parameters and density. No ZrO₂ second phase was detected in some of the compositions, rather NasZr(PO₄)₃ and the density showed a systematic decrease with increase of Li. All The compositions belong to the rhombohedral crystal system and were indexed based on hexagonal lattice structure. The density of the composition x=0.00 as calculated from the XRD data is 3.02g/cm3.The grain sizes of the compositions are in the range 1-2μm, 2-5μm, 3-7 μm and 2μm for x=0,0.25,0.5 and 0.75, respectively.

Keywords: solid state synthesis, NZP, XRD