Microwave Effects in Lead Zirconium Titanate Synthesis: Enhanced Kinetics and Changed Mechanisms

A novel, simple, and fast solid-state procedure has been demonstrated for the synthesis of Pb(Zr,Ti)O₃ (PZT), using microwave radiation. The process consists of starting with the respective oxides mixed in the required proportions and exposing the charge to the microwaves. By making one or more of the constituent oxides slightly nonstoichiometric, enormous enhancement in reaction rates has been achieved, and single-phase PZT can be synthesized at temperatures as low as 600°C. Moreover, it has been shown that the combined use of nonstoichiometric precursors and microwave irradiation leads to different reaction pathways for the formation of PZT. Further, the microwave method diminishes PbO loss.