Synthesis and Characterization of PMN-PT Thin Films Prepared by a New Chemical Route

Thin films of lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) have been synthesized by a new and simple chemical solution deposition route, using Acetoin (3-Hydroxy 2-butanone) as chelating agent and methanol as solvent. The starting materials were Niobium ethoxide, Titanium butoxide, Magnesium ethoxide and Lead acetate. The films were deposited on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates by spin-coating. By a multilayer process, homogenous and crack-free films with thickness up to 1 μ m were obtained. The microstructure and surface morphology of the films were characterized by X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. Films with a predominant perovskite phase and average grain size of ∼ 200 nm were obtained. The dielectric and ferroelectric properties are reported.