Crystallization and Morphology of Pb0.92La0.08(Zr0.68Ti0.32)0.98O3 Powders Synthesized Using the Gel-Hydrothermal Process

Pure perovskite Pb 0.92 La 0.08 (Zr 0.68 Ti 0.32 ) 0.98 O 3 (PLZT (8/68/32)) crystal powders with good dispersibility are prepared by using gel-hydrothermal method. The effects of mineralizer concentration, hydrothermal treatment time, and excess lead content on powder crystallization and morphology are examined and analyzed. The suitable mineralizer concentration and hydrothermal treatment time are found to be helpful to promote the PLZT crystal powders growth and improve the particle surface morphology. Noticeably, the introduction of excessive Pb can well compensate for the lack of A-site ions in the solution, thereby promoting the formation of rhombohedral PLZT crystal powders. The following optimized hydrothermal conditions are established: the temperature ≈230 °C, the mineralizer concentration ≈2 m , the hydrothermal treatment time ≈24 h, and the amount of excess Pb ≈ 80%. The obtained PLZT crystal powders with clean and complete cube morphology, uniform particle size, and excellent dispersibility would be used as the crystal seeds applying in the seed-induced growth of PLZT ceramics.