Phase equilibria and thermodynamics of the double oxide phase Cu3TiO4

Phase equilibria in the system CuCu₂OTiO₂ were investigated in the temperature range of 1160–1270 K by means of thermogravimetry and measurements of the oxygen partial pressure. The tie lines on the isothermal phase diagram run from the phase Cu₃TiO₄ to CuO, Cu₂O, and TiO₂. The existence of Cu₃TiO₅ and Cu₂TiO₃ could not be confirmed in this temperature range. The phase “Cu₃TiO₄” is only stable above about 1140 K and its composition fluctuates between about Cu₃TiO_4.3 and Cu₃TiO_3.9. The formation of Cu₃TiO_4.3 according to the reaction 1.6 CuO + 0.7 Cu₂O + TiO₂ = Cu₃TiO_4.3 is endothermic: (1160 < T < 1270 K) ΔH° = (7600 ± 450 J-mole^?1; ΔS° = (6.7 ± 0.4) J·K^?1·mole^?1. The standard Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of formation of Cu₃TiO_4.3 at 1200 K are ΔG°_f = ?101.39 kJ, ΔH°_f = ?1115.84 kJ, and S°_f = 466.76 J·K^?1. Rather similar values were found for Cu₃TiO_3.9.