Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 February 2011
Ferroelectric thin films based on Pb(Zr0.30Ti0.70)O3 (PZT 30/70) were prepared by Chemical Solution Deposition from lead oxide or lead acetate and transition metal alkoxides in 2-methoxyethanol at 400 °C. The choice of the lead-compound determines the composition of the PZT-sols and as a consequence the course of the thermal decomposition. In the case of PbO the local atmosphere within the bulk of the film during heating is more reducing, i.e. the partial pressure of oxygen is lower, than in the case of Pb(OAc)2 based film. Thus, in the former case a continuous layer of Pt-Pb phase is formed at 400 °C, while in Pb(OAc)2 based film only a low amount of Pt-Pb inclusions could be determined by TEM.