Synthesis, sintering and characterization of PLZST perovskite prepared by a lactate precursor route

A lactate precursor route for synthesis of lanthanum-doped lead zirconate titanate stannate (PLZST) ceramic powders was developed, based on an aqueous solution of lactic acid and Pb 2+, La 3+, Zr 4+, Ti 4+, Sn 4+ ions. The metal ions were brought in solution through complex formation with lactic acid. An amorphous precursor was prepared by dehydration of the soluble metal–ion–lactate complex solution. Heat treatment of the precursor at 650 °C for 2 h resulted in single phase perovskite PLZST powders. The effects of the ratio of lactic acid to mixed metal ions on the characteristics of PLZST powders were studied. The results showed that the powders prepared with the higher ratio (6:1) precursor consisted of finer particles with diameter of 45 nm and sintered readily to dense ceramics at the relatively low temperature of 1100 °C for 2 h. A typical antiferroelectric double polarization hysteresis loop was measured.