Synthesis of perovskite Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 powders via a polymer complex solution route with a large excess of polyethylene glycol

A polymer complex solution process was employed to produce perovskite Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 (PZN) from a solution comprising Pb(NO3)2, ZnCl2, NbCl5 and polyethylene glycol (PEG). X-ray diffraction peaks due to the perovskite phase were observed after firing at temperatures between 700 and 1000°C. By increasing the concentration of PEG, the perovskite phase appeared at a lower temperature. With 600 vol% PEG and after heating at 800°C for 1 h, perovskite PZN amounted to 91 % of the total solid product. The role of ligand-to-metal charge transfer during polymer complex formation on the apparent stabilization of PZN is discussed by using UV-VIS.