Abstract
Pure, single-phase, crystalline LaFeO 3 powders are formed by the thermal decomposition of a metal-nitrate-tartrate gel complex at 500-700°C. The complex is prepared by dissolving nitrates of lanthanum and iron in an aqueous solution in the presence of nitric and tartaric acids. The powder can be densified at 1050°C, and the resulting compacts exhibit ionic conduction above 300 °C with an apparent activation energy of electrical conduction of 20-30kJ/mol. © 2008 The Japan Society of Applied Physics.