Electroceramics from Source Materials via Molecular Intermediates: BaTiO3 from TiO2 via (Ti(catecholate)3)2‐

Abstract
Rutile or anatase may be depolymerized and complexed by sequential treatment with (i) H2SO4/(NH4)2SO4, (ii) H2O, and (iii) catechol/NH4OH to produce the intermediate (NH4)2(Ti(catecholate)3) · 2H2O. Treatment with Ba(OH)2· 8H2O leads to an acid‐base reaction generating Ba(Ti(catecholate)3) · 3H2O, in which the Ba:Ti ratio is held at 1:1 at the molecular level. Calcination produces BaTiO3 powder.