PZT ferroelectric ceramics obtained by sol–gel method using 2-metoxyethanol route for pyroelectric sensors

We report on the synthesis of Pb(Zr1–xTix)O3 powders by the sol–gel process using the 2-metoxyethanol route, in compositions close to the morphotropic phase boundary (Zr/Ti, 55/45, 53/47, 51/49 and 43/57). Powders with Perovskite structure and nanometric size (25 to 50 nm) were obtained after a drying process of the sol–gel product and calcination at 1023 K for 2 h. These powders were used to prepare highly densified ceramics to be used as pyroelectric sensors. The pyroelectric response was measured by photothermal method. Ceramics with composition 53/47 showed the best photopyroelectric response whereas the sample 43/57 showed the lowest response. The Curie temperature determined by differential scanning calorimetry was from 592·4 to 646 K for 51/49 and 43/57 samples respectively. The chosen route allowed preparation of high quality bulk ceramics suitable to be used as pyroelectric sensors in photothermal techniques.