Colloidal processing of PbZr1–x TixO3 thin films

Abstract

The synthesis of PbZr_1-x Ti_xO₃(0 < x < 1) perovskite films from solution has been investigated. Colloidal solutions have been obtained using lead acetate and metal butoxides. The role of chemical modifiers such as acetylacetone (acac) and of the hydrolysis ratio are described. Both have an effect on the gelation and on the behaviour during thermal decomposition (DSC–TG). The growth of the colloidal particles (studied by light scattering) and the thermal decomposition of the xerogels have been studied as a function of x in order to compare the reactivities of the precursors. Sols yielding good Theological properties as well as a low densification temperature (680 °C) have been prepared. They allow the synthesis of thin ferroelectric films by the spin-coating technique.