Template-based electrophoretic deposition of perovskite PZT nanotubes

Template-based electrophoretic deposition of perovskite lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanotubes was achieved using anodic alumina (AA) membranes and sots, containing lead, zirconium and titanium precursors. The effect of various anodizing voltages on the size of the channels in the anodic alumina template was investigated. The prepared sot was driven into the channels under the influence of various electric fields and subsequently sintered at about 700 degrees C. The effects of the initial heating rates and the burnout temperature on the phase evolution of the samples were studied and a modified firing process was employed. The effects of the electrophoretic voltage and the deposition time on the average wall thickness Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) revealed the efficiency of electrophoresis in the growth of lead zirconate titanate nanotubes in a close-packed array. The X-ray diffraction analyses indicated the presence of perovskite as the principal phase after a modified firing schedule. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.