Investigation of the Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) Perovskite Phase Crystallization in the Anodic Alumina Template Channels by Electron Diffraction

In the current research, we have utilized the electron diffraction patterns to investigate the crystallization of the PZT perovskite phase in the alumina template pores, and modify the firing process. Lead zirconate titanate nanotubes were grown through the template-based electrophoretic deposition process using porous anodic alumina templates. The alumina templates were initially prepared through a two-step anodizing of the aluminum foils in a cooled anodizing cell at 1ºC. Phosphoric acid (10 wt%) solution was employed as the electrolyte. Stabilized PZT sol was prepared using lead acetate and organo-metallic precursors of zirconium, and titanium. Glacial acetic acid was also used as the modifier. A DC electric field was then applied to drive the precursor solution into the template channels and form the nanotubes. The filled membranes were dried at 100ºC overnight, and then fired at 700ºC for 1h in air to develop the desired perovskite structure.