Solution synthesis and growth mechanism of SrTiO 3 mesocrystals

Single-crystalline SrTiO3 mesocrystals were synthesized via sol–precipitation coupled with a hydrothermal process using oleic acid as a capping agent. To clarify the growth mechanism, the time-dependence morphology, size, and growth process of SrTiO3 mesocrystal were investigated. SrTiO3 mesocrystals formed from oriented aggregates of Sr–Ti–O nanorods, which were subsequently transformed into irregular morphologies via the formation of the SrTiO3 phase. Then oriented fusion of the irregular particles gave a mesocrystal structure. The addition of oleic acid accelerated the formation of Sr–Ti–O nanorods, oriented the fusion of irregular SrTiO3 particles, and formed the cubic morphology of SrTiO3 mesocrystals.