LaAlO3 ceramic powders were synthesized using a polymeric precursor derived from a mixed-metal ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)/ethylene glycol solution. The precursors and derived oxide powders were characterized by differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. LaAlO3 was found to crystallize directly from an amorphous precursor at 750 degreesC for 2 h in air, without intermediate phase formation. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.