Synthesis of nano-sized polycrystalline PZT powders using molecular building blocks by designed chemical route

Polycrystalline perovskite Pb(Zr x Ti \(_{1-{x}})\)O3 (PZT) powders in the form of particles with sizes in the range 2∼ ∼10 nm were obtained by hydrolysis of a mixed metal alkoxide precursor. The mixed metal alkoxide precursor was synthesized by refluxing Pb(OAc)2, Zr(O– n Bu)4 and Ti(O–iPr)4 in anhydrous ethanol. After it was hydrolyzed in a solution with a pH of 3 and dried at 423 K, nano-sized polycrystalline perovskite PZT was obtained. This temperature of formation of the PZT perovskite phase is noticeably lower than those reported elsewhere. The sizes of the freshly dried polycrystalline perovskite PZT particles are within the range of 2–5 nm.