Solid-state synthesis and characterization of trirutile FeSb₂O₆

The aim of this research is to synthesize and thoroughly characterize a ceramic material with the chemical formula FeSb₂O₆. The iron antimony oxide, FeSb₂O₆, crystallizes in a trirutile-type structure, classified under the tetragonal space group P42/mnm. Its crystal structure is composed of octahedral units, where FeO₆ and SbO₆ octahedra share edges in an alternating sequence of FeO₆–SbO₆–SbO₆ along the [001] axis. Additionally, vertex-sharing octahedra are observed within the (001) planes, contributing to its distinct structural features.

FeSb₂O₆ is recognized as an n-type semiconductor. Recently, this compound has attracted significant interest due to its potential applications in photocatalysis, as well as in gas sensors, for detecting nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). Furthermore, it shows promise as a dielectric material for microwave devices and is considered a viable alternative to commercial materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its advanced lithium storage properties and high specific capacity.

In this study, the sample was synthesized using the traditional ceramic method. Stoichiometric amounts of FeO and Sb₂O₃ were mixed and calcined at 950 °C for 24 hours in an electric furnace under an air atmosphere. The synthesized material was characterized using various techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).