Synthesis of PZT fine particles using Ti3+ precursor at a low hydrothermal temperature of 110 °C

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) fine particles (80 nm to 0.8 μm) were prepared by hydrothermal method using a Ti3+ precursor, TiCl3. In contrast with conventional hydrothermal methods using Ti4+-reagents, pure PZT particles without lead titanate (PTO) impurities were synthesized using the Ti3+-reagent at a low temperature of 110 °C which is lower than the previously reported temperatures of 160 and 130 °C, using Ti4+-reagents of TiO2 and TiCl4, respectively. Additionally, the crystallization time using the Ti3+-reagent is shorter than those using Ti4+-reagents at the same temperature of 140 °C. The high reaction rate of the Ti3+-reagent containing gels prepared here is probably due to the presence of much more defects in their PTO intermediates. The present hydrothermal method using Ti3+ precursor could lead to energy savings because of low temperature synthesis and the present method is potentially useful for non-pressurized equipment in manufacturing plants for synthesizing PZT particles.