Synthesis of perovskite Pb(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ powders via a polymer complex solution route with a large excess of polyethylene glycol

A polymer complex solution process was employed to produce perovskite Pb(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ (PZN) from a solution comprising Pb(NO₃)₂, ZnCl₂, NbCl₅ and polyethylene glycol (PEG). X-ray diffraction peaks due to the perovskite phase were observed after firing at temperatures between 700 and 1000°C. By increasing the concentration of PEG, the perovskite phase appeared at a lower temperature. With 600 vol% PEG and after heating at 800°C for 1 h, perovskite PZN amounted to 91% of the total solid product. The role of ligand-to-metal charge transfer during polymer complex formation on the apparent stabilization of PZN is discussed by using UV-VIS.