Evidence for the monoclinic-tetragonal phase coexistence in Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3 thin films

The structure and ferroelectric properties of PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3 thin films were investigated in detail by using the x-ray diffraction technique. The surface morphology of the film was studied by using the atomic force microscopy technique, showing a film with a dense morphology and a smooth surface. Based on recent results reported by Pandey et al (2008 Acta Crystallogr. A64 192), Rietveld refinements of the structure were conducted considering different models proposed in the literature. Results suggested the monoclinic and tetragonal (M+T) phase coexistence, with P4mm and Cm space groups, respectively. The monoclinic phase (68 mol%) is dominant over the tetragonal phase (32 mol%) for this PZT film composition.