Preparation and characterization of PZT solid solutions via sol–gel process

The present research describes a modified sol–gel process that has been developed for the preparation of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) (0.52/0.48) powders. In this route, diethanolamine (DEA) was used as a complexing agent to keep the metal ions in homogeneous solutions without undergoing precipitation. Drying treatment led to development of transparent gel network. Phase-pure perovskite structure was formed at 500 °C. The crystallization behavior of the sol–gel-derived powders was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and simultaneous thermal analysis. Differences between the sequence of phase formation encountered in the traditional (oxide-mix) synthesis and that in chemically derived lead zirconate titanate ceramics are discussed.