Physicochemical characterisation of lead titanate solutions applied to the processing of thin films

A new sol-gel method, in which dihydroxy alcohols are used as solvents, is described for the preparation of lead titanate thin films. Infrared spectroscopy and measurements of viscosity are used to study the reaction mechanisms involved in the formation of polymerized solutions. Crack-free lead titanate layers with thickness 0.5 µm are obtained from these solutions, on Pt/TiO₂/Si substrates, by spin-coating and subsequent heat treatments. The formation of the perovskite and the microstructure of these films are monitored by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry analysis, differential thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy.