Molecularly modified alkoxide precursors (MMAP) for thin film LiTaO₃ and PbTiO₃

Abstract

A novel, low temperature chemical synthesis route for the preparation of multicomponent ferroelectric ceramics thin films is presented. The central feature of this synthesis protocol is the process of transition alkoxide molecular modification, which results in the moisture tolerant metallorganic precursors. The precursors derived using this approach can then be used, along with inexpensive acetates of alkali/ alkaline earth metals, to prepare multi-cation and stoichiometric, precipitate-free and stable sols. Molecularly modified alkoxide precursors (MMAP) were used to prepare grain oriented thin (0.1–0.3 μm) films of single phase lithium tantalate (LiTaO₃) and lead titanate (PbTiO₃).

Key Words:

• sol-gel
• thin
• ferroelectric films
• LiTaO₃
• PbTiO₃