This report details development of a route to solution-derived (1-x)Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3.xBaTiO(3) powders. The method developed was the citrate-gel method-an evaporative, aqueous technique. When applied to 0.95Bi(1/2)Na(1/2)TiO(3).0.05BaTiO(3) (BNBT-5), the method produced perovskite phase powders that readily densified in the temperature range of 1000degreesC. The grain size of the sintered materials was on the order of 1 mum, and the weak-field dielectric properties at 1 MHz were similar to those reported for conventionally prepared materials sintered at higher temperatures (e.g., 1200degreesC).