Electrodeposition of lead zirconate titanate nanotubes

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanotubes have been grown using porous anodic alumina templates. Sol-gel electrophoretic deposition method was utilized to form the nanotubes on pore walls. The templates were prepared using various anodizing voltages to achieve different pore diameters. Phosphoric acid solution was employed as the electrolyte. Stabilized PZT sols were prepared using lead acetate trihydrate and modified precursors of zirconium and titanium with acetic acid. The filled templates were then sintered at 700 degrees C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that tubular PZT arrays have been efficiently grown in the alumina templates. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) further confirms the tubular form and polycrystalline nature of the tubes. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses also confirm the composition of the tubes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra indicate the presence of the perovskite PZT as the main phase.