The effect of PVP contents on the fiber morphology and piezoelectric characteristics of PZT nanofibers prepared by electrospinning

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT, Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3) nanofibers were prepared from a PZT precursor sol containing PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) by electrospinning. XRD (X-ray diffraction) measurements indicated that the concentration of the sol and the heat treatment of the as-spun nanofibers at temperatures over 650 °C are essential for the growth of PZT phase. The effects of the PVP content on the viscosity of the sol, on the fiber morphology and on the piezoelectric characteristics were investigated. The mole ratio of PVP/(Ti+Zr) of 1.25 was found to be optimum for good piezoelectric characteristics.