Preparation and characterization of PZT solid solutions via sol–gel process

• Published in: Journal of crystal growth 2007-09, Vol.307 (1), p.40-43
• Main Authors: Bel Hadj Tahar, Radhouane, Bel Hadj Tahar, Noureddine, Ben Salah, Abdelhamid
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: B2. Ferroelectric materials; B2. Low crystallization temperature; B2. PZT; B2. Sol–gel; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Dielectric, piezoelectric, ferroelectric and antiferroelectric materials; Dielectrics, piezoelectrics, and ferroelectrics and their properties; Equations of state, phase equilibria, and phase transitions; Exact sciences and technology; Growth from solutions; Materials science; Methods of crystal growth; physics of crystal growth; Niobates, titanates, tantalates, pzt ceramics, etc; Physics; Single-crystal and powder diffraction; Solid-solid transitions; Specific phase transitions; Structure of solids and liquids; crystallography; X-ray diffraction and scattering
• ISSN: 0022-0248; 1873-5002
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2007.04.046

The present research describes a modified sol–gel process that has been developed for the preparation of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) (0.52/0.48) powders. In this route, diethanolamine (DEA) was used as a complexing agent to keep the metal ions in homogeneous solutions without undergoing precipitation. Drying treatment led to development of transparent gel network. Phase-pure perovskite structure was formed at 500 °C. The crystallization behavior of the sol–gel-derived powders was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and simultaneous thermal analysis. Differences between the sequence of phase formation encountered in the traditional (oxide-mix) synthesis and that in chemically derived lead zirconate titanate ceramics are discussed.