Synthesis of PZT nanocrystalline powder by a modified sol–gel process using water as primary solvent source

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT 95/5) nanocrystalline powders were prepared by a modified sol–gel method. Water and a little absolute ethanol were used as solvents and inorganic salts as raw materials. The effects of lead precursor, gelatinous agent and stabilizer on the crystallization behavior were studied. Phase segregation caused by using water as solvent could be avoided by adding polyethylene glycol as a stabilizer. Uniform single-phase PZT powders were obtained after having been annealed at 700 °C for 2.5 h and its average particle size is 70 nm. These easily controlled processes could lead to an attractive industrial fabrication method for PZT materials.