NEW PREPARATION METHOD FOR PZT FILMS USING ELECTROCHEMICAL REDUCTION

PZT perovskite films on stainless steel were prepared by electrochemical reduction in solutions containing TiO2+, ZrO2+, and Pb2+ ions. Heat treatment at temperatures higher than about 500-degrees-C was necessary for crystallization, because the as-deposited oxide films were amorphous. The deposited oxides consisted of a mixture of hydroxides and oxide produced by an increase of pH due to some electrochemical reduction reactions of NO3-, H+, and H2O on the electrode surface. The composition of the PZT films was easily controlled by the composition in solution during the electrolysis. The mechanism of the PZT precursor deposition is discussed.