Synthesis and Characterization of Nanocrystalline PZT Powders by a Simple Sol-Gel Method

Abstract

Nanocrystalline lead zirconate titanate (PZT) powders with composition at the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) were synthesized by a simple aqueous based sol-gel method, using lead nitrate, zirconium nitrate and tetrabutyl titanate as the starting materials. The sol could be easily transformed into gel, firstly heated at 120°C for 10h, then at 180°C for 24h. The thermal decomposition process of the gel was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The effect of citrate addition amount on the calcining temperature was discussed. The results reveal that pure perovskite phase PZT powders can be obtained at a calcining temperature as low as 600°C. The average grain size of the powders was determined by transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. The influences of calcining temperature and the pH value of the solution on the grain size were investigated. The sintering temperature and electrical properties of the ceramics derived by nano-powders were compared with those prepared by the conventional ceramic processing. The result shows that using the nanopowder, the sintering temperature could be reduced by about 100°C and the ferroelectric properties were enhanced.