(757a) Synthesis of Nanostructure SrNbO3-X Perovskites and Their Electronic Properties

Oxygen deficient SrNbO_3-x (SNO) perovskites have unique optoelectronic properties, exhibiting plasmonic responses under visible light excitation. However, these materials typically require controlled vacuum deposition techniques to limit the oxygen incorporation and maintain the desired Nb4+ oxidation state. In this work, I will present our work developing wet chemical approaches to synthesize SNO perovskites and similar systems with a range of available oxidation states. Using a low-pressure molten salt synthesis, we take advantage of solution-based approaches while simultaneously controlling the oxygen partial pressure and overall system pressure. These SNO nanoparticles exhibit metallic-like properties, as expected based on previous reports for vacuum-grown materials. Additionally, we explored the appearance of ferroelectric properties upon the incorporation of various levels of Ca doping, analogous to Ca doped SrTiO₃ nanoparticles. I will discuss our work on the electronic properties of these materials and their potential to serve as highly conductive electrodes for electrochemical devices. Finally, I will briefly discuss the possibility of the modified molten salt chemistries for the synthesis of other complex oxides which are thermodynamically unstable under traditional solution-based chemistries.