Template-assisted synthesis of PbTiO3 nanotubes

Nanotubes of ferroelectric lead titanate (PbTiO3) have been made by a template-assisted method. An equimolar Pb–Ti sol was dropped onto porous alumina membranes and penetrated into the channels of the template. Single-phase PbTiO3 perovskite nanotubes were obtained by annealing at 700 °C for 6 h. The nanotubes had diameters of 200–400 nm with a wall thickness of approximately 20 nm. Excess PbO or annealing in a Pb-containing atmosphere was not necessary in order to achieve single-phase PbTiO3 nanotubes. The influence of the heating procedure and the sol concentration is discussed.