Synthesis, characterization, photoluminescence and ferroelectric properties of PbTiO3 nanotube arrays

PbTiO3 nanotube arrays have been synthesized via sol–gel template method, and their morphology and structures have been determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The diameter and length of these nanotubes are about 300 nm and 50 μm, respectively, and their wall thickness is typically several tens of nanometers. XRD data shows that as-prepared PTO nanotubes possess perovskite structure, and electron diffraction demonstrates that they are polycrystalline. Photoluminescence spectrum of PTO nanotubes reveals an intense and wide emission band centered at 505 nm. Polarization–electric field (P–E) response curves of PTO nanotube array were measured, and the hysteresis loops illustrate a room temperature ferroelectric characteristic of as-prepared PTO nanotubes.