Patent ID: 7727909

Claim:
A method for producing complex metal oxide particles having nano-sized grains, the complex metal oxide comprising a metal oxide phase containing two or more metallic elements homogeneously distributed in the oxide phase, and the method comprising: a) preparing: (i) a solution containing one or more metal cations; (ii) a surfactant present such that surfactant micelles are formed within the solution to thereby form a micellar liquid; and (iii) solid, particulate material containing one or more further metals in the form of metal(s) or metal compound(s); and (b) heating the mixture to form the complex metal oxide comprising a metal oxide phase containing two or more metallic elements homogeneously distributed in the oxide phase, with the heating being undertaken at a temperature and for a period of time to remove the surfactant and thereby form complex metal oxide particles; wherein the one or more further metal(s) are incorporated into the complex metal oxide having nano-sized grains.