Pb(Zr0.95Ti0.05)O3 powders prepared by aqueous Pechini method using one-step pyrolysis process: characterization and porous ceramics

Zr-riched lead zirconate titanate, Pb(Zr0.95 Ti0.05)O3 (PZT 95/5) powders were prepared using lead acetate, zirconium oxynitrate, and titanium sulfate by aqueous Pechini method. The chelation behaviors of metallic ions and citric acid were investigated and the development of the phase formation of perovskite structure was detected. PZT 95/5 powders were obtained directly from the as-synthesized gels by one-step pyrolysis process at 450 C for 10 h. Perovskite phase was formed at about 450 C and no distinct intermediates were obtained. There were some carbonates as impurities but they did not affect the formation of the complete perovskite phase of PZT 95/ 5 ceramics after sintering at 1,100–1,150 C for 2 h. The decomposition of few organic residues among the one-step pyrolyzed powders could form uniform porous structure and the formation mechanism of porous ceramics was also presented.