Shape evolution of Pb (Zr,Ti)O3 nanocrystals under hydrothermal conditions

Ph (Zr,Ti)O-3 nanocrystals with different morphologies have been prepared hydrothermally with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) as surfactants. The morphology of Ph (Zr,Ti)O-3 nanocrystals develops from a particle to a rod and then a wire by adjusting the ratio of PVA/PAA and reaction time in a hydrothermal system. The mixed surfactant system has been shown to promote anisotropic growth effectively and thus the formation of nanorods and single crystalline nanowires; of Ph (Zr,Ti)O-3. A possible mechanism for such a shape evolution of nanocrystals is simply discussed.