Inducing crystallization in an amorphous lead zirconate titanate precursorby mechanical activation

For the first time, crystallization of perovskite lead zirconate titanate ( PZT) phase in an amorphous hydrobxide precursor is realized by mechanical a ctivation, instead of calcination at an intermediate temperature. The resul ting PZT powder exhibits well-established crystalline perovskite structure with a crystallite size of similar to 20 nm, as indicated from the peak bro adening of X-ray diffraction. An average particle size of 30 to 50 nm is ob served using transmission electron microscopy for the mechanical-activation -derived PZT powder.