Crystal growth of lead zirconate titanate with additives under hydrothermal conditions

Single crystals of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) with an additive such as La2O3, Nb2O3 or MnO were grown under hydrothermal conditions with the starting nutrient of PZT ceramic powder based on Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O-3. The powder placed at the bottom of the capsule was dissolved in the KF solution at 640 degrees C, and recrystallized at the top of the capsule at 600 degrees C. Large crystals up to 1.8 mm in length were grown in 45 wt% KF solution, but a decrease in the concentration resulted in the reduction of the volume and size of the grown crystals. The addition of Nb to PZT ceramics inhibited the growth of the crystals. The additives in the starting materials were incorporated into the grown crystals, but the concentration of Zr in the crystals was markedly reduced in comparison with that; of the starting materials.