Sol-gel synthesis of PZT hollow microtubes: an alternative single-step method using milkweed fiber as a bio-template

Abstract

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) is a piezoelectric material that exhibits excellent piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties. PZT microtubes are now receiving significant attention for various applications such as sensors, actuators, and energy harvesters. PZT microtubes are often synthesized using a sacrificial template, which involves complex steps to remove the parent template. In this work, we introduce an alternative approach for synthesizing PZT microtubes utilizing a bio-template. The structural characteristics of PZT microtubes are analyzed using x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, while the hollow tubular morphology is confirmed using FESEM analysis. The formation of PZT microtubes with diameters ranging from 13 to 15 µm was confirmed by FESEM images. The complete decomposition of the bio-template during the annealing process was ensured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Piezoresponse force microscopy images confirm the ferroelectric nature of the microtubes through contrast reversal under opposite bias polarities of ± 10 V, indicating polarization switching. This study demonstrates that bio-templating is a better alternative for synthesizing phase-pure PZT hollow microtubes, as it avoids the necessity of removing the parent template from the synthesized microtubes.