Diol-based sol–gel system for the production of thin films of PbTiO₃

Abstract

A new sol–gel system utilising pentane-1,5-diol as solvent has been developed for the production of lead titanate, PbTiO3, films. The thickness of crack-free PbTiO3 layers prepared by a single spin coating and firing operation is ca. 0.7 µm, representing a seven-fold increase over existing sol–gel routes. Repeated coating steps, prior to firing, permit production of films up to ca. 5 µm in thickness.