Phase transformation and freestanding nanoparticles formation in lead zirconate titanate derived by sol-gel

Generation of the freestanding lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanoparticles and their phase transformation behavior is investigated in this research. PZT sol-gel precursor was dried at 250 degrees C and partially calcined at 450 degrees C for 30 min to decompose organics and bring down the free energy barrier for perovskite crystallization. Annealed at 550-600 degrees C, sol-gel PZT powder exhibited freestanding nanocrystalline morphology. The electron diffraction pattern obtained from nanoparticles confirmed their crystallinity and perovskite phase formation. The structural characteristics were evaluated by transmission electron microscope and x-ray diffraction techniques. The average PZT nanoparticle size of 20 nm was observed by transmission electron microscope and Scherrer's method. (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics.