Structure comparison of PMN–PT and PMN–PZT nanocrystals prepared by gel-combustion method at optimized temperatures

We have synthesized and were performed a comparison of structures and optical properties between relaxor ferroelectric PMN–PT and PMN–PZT nanopowders. A gel-combustion method has been used to synthesize PMN–PT and PMN–PZT nanocrystalline with the perovskite structure. The precursors employed in the gel-combustion process were lead nitrate, magnesium acetate, niobium ammonium oxalate and zirconium nitrate. The nanopowders were characterized using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to monitor the transformation of precursor solutions during the thermal reactions leading to the formation of perovskite phase.