Sol-Gel Synthesis of Nanocrystalline PZT Using a Novel System

A simple system has been developed for the preparation of lead zirconate titanate, Pb(Zr_xTi_{1 – x})O₃ powders by sol-gel process. To achieve stable and homogeneous precursor solutions, chelating ligands such as acetic acid and acetylacetone have been used for the chemical modification of titanium and zirconium starting precursors. Phase-pure PZT powders were obtained, through a pyrochlore-free pathway, from the amorphous xerogel after heat treatment at 600°C. The formation of the crystalline phase, compositional homogeneity, sinterability, dielectric and piezoelectric characteristics of PZT are reported.