Simple Synthesis of Submicrometer Lead Titanate Powder by Precipitation of TiO2 Precursor on PbO Particulates

A simple way to prepare phase-pure, submicrometer PbTiO₃ powder was tried by precipitation. Precipitation was carried out in an aqueous PbO slurry using aqueous TiCl₄ and dilute NH₄OH at pH 9.5 ± 0.1. The TG/DSC curves of the PT precursor show weight loss of ∼7% and two exotherms at 492° and 522°C. They are attributed to the crystallization of tetragonal PbTiO₃. XRD shows that tetragonal PbTiO₃ can be obtained by heat treatment around 500°C via a noncrystalline state. SEM shows that the PbTiO₃ powder calcined at 600°C for 1 h is well crystallized and in the range of 100—300 nm.