Processing and Characterization of Lead Zirconate Titanate Nanopowders by a Simple Water‐Based Sol–Gel Method

Abstract

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanopowders with high sintering activity were synthesized from economical raw materials by a simple water‐based sol–gel method. Citric acid was used to complex with the metal cations, and the effect of the molar ratio of citric acid to metal cation (C:M) was investigated. The decomposition of the dried gel and the phase formation process of the PZT powders were investigated using thermal analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic techniques. The average particle size of the PZT powders was 13 nm after calcination at 600°C for 3 h, as determined by transmission electron microscope. The nanopowders prepared could be sintered at a temperature as low as 900°C, and dense PZT ceramics of pure perovskite phase were obtained. The electric properties of the ceramics derived from nanopowders were compared with those prepared by the solid‐state method. The results show that due to larger c/a ratio and small grain size, the electric properties are enhanced.