Synthesis and characterization of Fe-Cl boracite

The Fe-Cl boracite is prepared by a procedure, consisting of solution mixin g, heating, grinding and H-2 reduction. The high valence metal ion Fe3+ rea cts with H-2 to form the low valence metal ion Fe3+ so that the correspondi ng boracite can be synthesized. The lattice parameters and the phase transi tion temperatures are determined by means of X-ray diffraction, transmissio n electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The hydrogen n ot only plays a role in reduction, but also prevents the oxidation of the m ixture. The ferroelectric property at room temperature of the sample has be en substantially demonstrated. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science BY All rights rese rved.