Comparative studies on structural and electrical properties of lead titanate synthesized by ceramic and co-precipitation method

Lead titanate, PbTiO3 (PT), ceramic material is a useful piezoelectric material for high-temperature and high-frequency applications such as non-volatile memories, infrared sensors and capacitors. However, it is very difficult to obtain a pure-phase and dense PT as a result of a maximum c/a ratio. In this paper, we have reported a conformable PT ceramics with standard double sintering as well as chemical co-precipitation method were successfully synthesized by means of carefully controlled processing parameters, viz., pH value, sintering temperature, soaking time and heating/cooling rates. This novel method was developed to synthesize PbTiO3 sample so as to gain better control on chemical homogeneity and stoichiometry. Moreover, relatively inexpensive laboratory grade (LR) lead nitrate [Pb(NO3)2] and titanium tetra-isopropoxide [Ti{OCH(CH3)2}4] are used as starting materials. Single phase formation was confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The room temperature conductivity study was done by measuring AC conductivity in the frequency range from 100 Hz to 1 MHz and DC resistivity in the temperature range from room temperature to 800 K. Dielectric measurements were carried out at selected frequencies from room temperature to well above transition temperature (Tc). Discussion on comparison between both preparation methods was made on the basis of observed results from electrical properties.