The local environment of Zr atoms in amorphous precursors and intermed
iate products of the thermal treatment leading to perovskite PbZrO3 ce
ramic materials is studied by EXAFS. The coordination of Zr depends si
gnificantly on the choice of the starting Zr alkoxide. The Zr-O-Zr bon
d in an amorphous phase persists till the final stage of heating at 80
0 degrees C.