Deposition of La₂Zr₂O₇ film by chemical solution deposition

La₂Zr₂O₇ (LZO) formation of bulk powders and of films by chemical solution deposition (CSD) process have been studied using propionates. The treatment involved a one step cycle in the reducing forming gas (Ar-5%H₂) to be compatible with Ni-5at%W RABITS. Large amount of residual carbon was found in LZO powders formed in these conditions (10 wt%). The volume fraction of the cube texture in LZO films on Ni-5at%W RABITS was found to be a function of the speed of the gas flown above sample. This phenomenon is discussed in considering the C deposited from the carbon-containing gases emitted during the pyrolysis of the precursor. Using proper conditions (950 °C and the speed of gas of 6.8 × 10 ^-2 m/s), LZO films with good surface crystallinity could be obtained on Ni-5at%W RABITS as demonstrated by X-ray diffraction, electron backscattered diffraction and RHEED. The existence of residual carbon in oxide films is a common question to films deposited by CSD processes under reducing condition.