Synthesis of highly oriented lithium niobate thin film from neutralized aqueous precursor solution

Lithium niobate thin films with a c-axis orientation were synthesized from a neutralized aqueous precursor solution that was derived from lithium niobium double alkoxide. Lithium niobium hydroxide solution that was prepared by dissolving precipitates, through the complete hydrolysis of lithium niobium double alkoxide with water, was weakly basic. The hydroxide solution was neutralized with acetic acid to give neutralized homogeneous lithium niobium hydroxide solution. The film that was prepared at 500 degrees C from the neutralized precursor solution had a smooth surface texture without cracks and pores. A pole-figure pattern indicated that the crystalline film was twinned, with rotation by 60 degrees oriented along the c-axis.