The Technology
Barium titanate (BaTiO3) is one of the most important ceramic materials used in electronics. As an intrinsic ferroelectric material it can be utilized for various applications like multilayer capacitors, grain boundary capacitors, low-temperature sensors and thermistors. There is a growing need for efficient methods of producing barium titanate layers, particularly if they are thin and crack-free. This method allows for the preparation of thin, whole layers even in complex shapes without the use of extremely toxic solutions currently in use in other methods.
In this method, barium titanate is deposited on a cathode made of a base metal such as nickel or copper while maintaining a specific voltage limit to prevent oxidation of the base-metal cathode. The aqueous solution utilized can include water and barium titanate and does not need to include substantial amounts of toxic and costly organic solutions. A wide variety of aqueous solutions can be used including solutions with a high pH to prevent barium leaching during the process. The barium titanate can be deposited in various shapes, including complex ones and these layers act as dielectric layers that can be utilized for a wide variety of purposes. In addition, the powders used in the process are all commercially available and easily obtained.
Advantages
- Lower costs and assembly-line risks due to use of water instead of dangerous, toxic and difficult-to-handle organic solutions
- Efficient process produces thin and crack-free barium titanate dielectric layers
- This versatile process can utilize a wide range of aqueous solutions including solutions with a high pH to prevent barium leaching
- A process capable of depositing barium titanate even in complex shapes for a wide variety of purposes
- Faster commercial implementation because materials utilized are all currently commercially available
Applications and Opportunities
- Multilayer capacitors, grain boundary capacitors, low-temperature sensors and in thermistors (heat sensitive resistors)
- Ceramic materials used in electronics like microphones, transducers, nonlinear optics and thermal cameras
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