Synthesis and Characterization of Lead Zirconate Titanate Nanotubes

We report a template-directed growth of Pb(Zr x ,Ti1 − x )O3 (PZT) nanotubes in conjunction with sol-gel process and spin coating technique. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images show that PZT nanotubes are well packed inside the pore of a porous alumina membrane (PAM). A Field emission transmission electron microscope (FETEM) image of a freestanding PZT nanotube shows that its outer diameter and length are estimated to be 50 nm and several microns, respectively. High resolution FETEM analysis reveals that PZT nanotubes have a wall thickness of 5 nm and consist of crystallites with a size in the order of 2–3 nm. The occurrence of electron diffraction ring patterns confirms that the typical PZT nanotube is polycrystalline.