Synthesis and crystallization behavior of lead titanate from oxide precursors by a hydrothermal route

Lead titanate (PbTiO₃, PT) crystals were synthesized from oxides, namely PbO and TiO₂, by a hydrothermal route, in which the precursors were heated to 150 °C with durations from 8 to 32 h. The homogeneous PbTiO₃ crystals with a single perovskite structure were obtained through the synthesis route. The influences of the Pb/Ti ratio, the KOH concentration, and the reaction time on the morphology and microstructure of PbTiO₃ crystals were investigated. By surveying the variations of the crystal micrographs, another formation mechanism could be proposed, as the following: dissolution-precipitation (nucleation)-crystal growth- recrystallization. Moreover, crystal growth was controlled by a layer-by-layer mode when the reaction time was prolonged.