Microwave assisted synthesis and X-ray based characterizations of perovskite SrTiO₃: A review

Strontium titanate (SrTiO₃), a versatile lead-free perovskite oxide that possesses features such as a high dielectric constant, pseudocapacitance and chemical stability, features that justify its use in advanced energy related and electronic applications. This review highlights the integration of microwave-assisted synthesis (MAS) to enhance crystallinity of SrTiO₃, phase purity, and surface properties. The study focuses on how microwave irradiation reduces synthesis times and allows precise control over particle morphology, while X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) analysis provide critical insights into the structural, chemical and electronic features of the material. Integration of MAS enhances crystallinity, efficiently removes impurities, and facilitates controlled oxygen vacancy formation, significantly improving electronic properties of SrTiO₃. While analysis by X-ray based characterizations confirms phase purity, reveals surface states, defect densities, and provides detailed insights into local electronic and coordination environments.