Preparation of PZT powders from metal alkoxides

Fine powders of PZT, [Zr]/[Ti] = 53/47 and 55/45 in mol ratio, were prepared from Pb(isoC3H7O)2, Zr(nC4H9O)4 and Ti(isoC3H7O)4 through simultaneous hydrolysis in alcohol solutions. Spherical and X-ray-amorphous powders were obtained by hydrolysis in ethanol solution at temperatures below 76°C. After calcination at 400°C for 72 h, diffraction peaks of PZT were observed. During the calcination, an intermediate phase, cubic Pb2Ti2O6, was found. When the hydrolysis was carried out in n-propanol at 95°C, irregular shaped particles were obtained. After drying at 90°C, diffraction peaks of PZT and of the intermediate phase were observed.