Bose, Ankita and Sreemany, Monjoy and Bysakh, Sandip (2011) Role of TiO(2) Seed Layer Thickness on the Nanostructure Evolution and Phase Transformation Behavior of Sputtered PZT Thin Films During Post-Deposition Air-Annealing. Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 94 (11). pp. 4066-4077. ISSN 0002-7820

PDF - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (1214Kb) | Request a copy

Abstract

An optimum TiO(2) seed layer is said to facilitate nucleation and subsequent growth of perovskite phase in Pb(Zr,Ti)O(3) (PZT) films during annealing. The actual causes that prevent perovskite growth, particularly in sputtered PZT films on thick TiO(2) seed layers are not yet understood clearly. Herein, based on the results of X-ray diffractometry (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and analytical scanning/transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) with semi-quantitative elemental mapping using energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrum imaging, the post-annealing crystallization trend of r.f. magnetron sputter-deposited amorphous PZT films has been scrutinized as a function of TiO(2) seed layer thickness. Upon annealing, PZT films on thin TiO(2) layers (similar to 20-100 nm) partially crystallize into perovskite PZT via a transient pyrochlore/fluorite phase. However, no perovskite phase forms on thicker (similar to 550 nm) TiO(2) layer. Thickness of underlying TiO(2) seed layer strongly influences the crystallization, phase formation, texture, and surface morphology of the PZT films. During crystallization, Pb diffuses away from the PZT film to form solid solution with TiO(2) seed layer. Perovskite PZT phase transformation requires a minimum Pb-concentration within the transient pyrochlore/fluorite phase. During the growth of perovskite grains, Zr gets segregated, resulting in Zr-concentration build-up within the surrounding disordered fcc fluorite phase.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Processing Science
Divisions:	UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Bidhan Chaudhuri
Date Deposited:	16 Jan 2012 12:02
Last Modified:	31 Jan 2013 11:18
URI:	http://cgcri.csircentral.net/id/eprint/79

Actions (login required)

View Item