Synthesis of submicron PbTiO3 particles by the water-in-oil emulsion process

Submicron PbTiO3 powder with spherical morphology was successfully synthesized by the water-in-oil emulsion process. The aqueous solution containing lead and titanium cations was well emulsified in n-octane solution by adding appropriate surfactant. During the heating of the dried precursors, tetragonal PbTiO3 began to form from above 560 degrees C. Heating at 900 degrees C without soaking yielded pure PbTiO3. The particle size of the obtained PbTiO3 was within the submicron range, and considerably smaller than that prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction route. Agitation time in the emulsification process was found to significantly affect the morphology of PbTiO3 powder. Insufficient agitation time resulted in the non-uniform distribution of particle size.