Thermal analysis of lithium tris (malonato) ferrate(III) tetrahydrate

Thermal decomposition of lithium tris (malonato) ferrate (III) tetrahydrate i.e. Li₃Fe(CH₂C₂O₄)₃].4H₂O has been studied in the temperature range of 353–873 K in static air atmosphere using Mössbauer, infrared spectroscopy and nonisothermal techniques (TG-DTG-DTA). The anhydrous complex decomposed into ferric oxide of varying particle sizes and alkali metal malonates/carbonates in succesive stages. Fimally a solid state reaction between -Fe₂O₃ and alkali metal carbonate gives fine particles of lithium ferrite (LiFeO₂) at a temperature lower than for oxalate precursor and for ceramic method.