Novel Ultrafast Synthesis of Perovskites via Commercial Laser Engraving

We present a rapid, energy-efficient, and ecofriendly route for the synthesis of alkaline earth titanate perovskites—CaTiO₃, SrTiO₃, and BaTiO₃—using an affordable, commercially available CO₂ laser engraver, commonly found in makerspaces and small-scale workshops. The method involves direct laser irradiation of compacted pellets composed of low-cost, abundant, and non-toxic precursors: TiO₂ and alkaline earth carbonates (CaCO₃, SrCO₃, BaCO₃). CaTiO₃ and BaTiO₃ were synthesized with phase purities exceeding 97%, eliminating the need for conventional high-temperature furnaces or prolonged thermal treatments. X-ray diffraction (XRD) coupled with Rietveld refinement confirmed the formation of orthorhombic CaTiO₃ (Pbnm), cubic SrTiO₃ (Pm3⁻m), and tetragonal BaTiO₃ (P4mm). Raman spectroscopy independently corroborated the perovskite structures, revealing vibrational fingerprints consistent with the expected crystal symmetries and Ti–O bonding environments. All samples contained only small amounts of unreacted anatase TiO₂, while BaTiO₃ exhibited a partially amorphous fraction, attributed to the sluggish crystallization kinetics of the Ba–Ti system and the rapid quenching inherent to laser processing. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed nanoparticles with average sizes of 50–150 nm, indicative of localized melting followed by ultrafast solidification. This solvent-free, low-energy, and highly accessible approach, enabled by widely available desktop laser systems, demonstrates exceptional simplicity, scalability, and sustainability. It offers a compelling alternative to conventional ceramic processing, with broad potential for the fabrication of functional oxides in applications ranging from electronics to photocatalysis.