Effect of precursor type on the microstructure of PbTiO3 thin films

Abstract Lead–titanium solution precursors were prepared by (i) preceding syntheses of the lead precursor by reaction of lead acetate with 2-methoxyethanol and titanium methoxyethoxide and their subsequent reaction, (ii) reaction between anhydrous lead acetate and titanium methoxyethoxide, (iii) reaction between lead oxide and titanium methoxyethoxide in 2-methoxyethanol as a common solvent. The lead acetate-derived precursor exhibits a complex thermal decomposition with the highest weight loss, while smooth pyrolysis with the lowest weight loss characterises the lead-oxide-derived precursor. Variations in precursor structure affect the pyrolysis behaviour, thickness and microstructure of as-deposited lead titanate thin films.