Effect of atmosphere on the synthesis of potassium titanate

Potassium titanate (K4Ti3O8) was synthesized by the reaction between ilmenite and concentrated KOH solution in the atmosphere of nitrogen,still air, and oxygen, respectively. The obtained samples were systematically investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD results indicate that K4Ti3O8 have been synthesized in different atmospheres. The oxidizing atmosphere could enhance the conversion rate of Ti from ilmenite to K4Ti3O8, and Fe(Ⅱ) is easily oxidized to trivalent iron Fe(Ⅲ) during the reaction. Furthermore, SEM images show that the different atmospheres have significant effect on K4Ti3O8 crystal morphology and particle size. Well shaped K4Ti3O8 crystals are obtained in nonoxidizing atmosphere.