Composition dependence of the domain configuration and size in Pb(Zr1-xTix)O3 ceramics

The composition dependent variation of domain configuration and size in Pb(Zr1-xTix)O-3 (PZT) has been investigated in a detailed transmission electron microscopy study in the range of 0.40 <= x <= 0.55. Single phase composition, Pb(Zr0.45Ti0.55)O-3 and Pb(Zr0.60Ti0.40)O-3, the former belonging to the tetragonal, the latter to the rhombohedral phase, feature small microdomain widths coupled with a pronounced bimodal domain distribution. Samples with compositions around the morphotropic phase boundary exhibit a decrease of bimodal distribution and an increase in microdomain width associated with nanodomain formation. The investigation of micro- and nanodomains, as well as the bimodal distribution of microdomains in undoped PZT ceramics, with respect to composition, is reported. We define nanodomains as "domains arranged within microdomains possessing a width of a few nanometers." The strict alternation of the two orientation variants of microdomains is denoted as "bimodal domain distribution," and is characterized by narrow and broad microdomains, which join each other in turn. (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics.