Lead Zirconate, PbZrO3
Infinita Materials supplies lead zirconate (PbZrO3) sputtering targets for research and production groups working on antiferroelectric and ferroelectric thin films. Each target is manufactured to controlled stoichiometry and purity to support reproducible film composition across deposition runs. Standard catalogue sizes ship from stock, with custom diameters, thicknesses, and bonded configurations built to order.
| Purity (%) : | >99.9 |
| Dimensions : | Dia. 1”, Thick. 0.125” Dia. 2”, Thick. 0.25” |
Introduction to Lead Zirconate
Lead zirconate (PbZrO₃) is an orthorhombic perovskite ceramic (Pbam) and a prototypical antiferroelectric material, characterised by antiparallel Pb displacements and a first-order transition to a cubic paraelectric phase near 230–235 °C. Its insulating, diamagnetic nature and strong antiferroelectric response make precise stoichiometric control important for thin-film performance. Sputtering from dense, pre-reacted PbZrO₃ ceramic targets enables controlled Pb composition while minimising lead-loss issues associated with high-temperature processing. Sputtered films are investigated for antiferroelectric capacitors, pulsed-power and high-energy-density storage, piezoelectric MEMS devices, and as compositional layers in PZT and PLZT multilayer structures where controlled phase behaviour and reliable polarisation switching are required.
FAQs
Introduction to Lead Zirconate
Lead zirconate (PbZrO₃) is an orthorhombic perovskite ceramic (Pbam) and a prototypical antiferroelectric material, characterised by antiparallel Pb displacements and a first-order transition to a cubic paraelectric phase near 230–235 °C. Its insulating, diamagnetic nature and strong antiferroelectric response make precise stoichiometric control important for thin-film performance. Sputtering from dense, pre-reacted PbZrO₃ ceramic targets enables controlled Pb composition while minimising lead-loss issues associated with high-temperature processing. Sputtered films are investigated for antiferroelectric capacitors, pulsed-power and high-energy-density storage, piezoelectric MEMS devices, and as compositional layers in PZT and PLZT multilayer structures where controlled phase behaviour and reliable polarisation switching are required.
Key Properties of Lead Zirconate
| Property | Value | Significance |
|---|
| Chemical formula | PbZrO3 | Confirms perovskite ABO3 stoichiometry with Pb on the A-site and Zr on the B-site |
| CAS number | 12060-01-4 | Unique substance identifier used for procurement, customs, and safety documentation |
| Molar mass | ~346.42 g/mol | Basis for stoichiometric and deposition-rate calculations during film composition control |
| Density (target) | ~7.0 g/cm3 | sets target mass and expected material consumption per deposition run |
| Crystal structure | Orthorhombic (Pbam) at room temperature | underlies the antiparallel cation displacement responsible for antiferroelectric ordering |
| Curie temperature | ~230-235 C | marks the antiferroelectric-to-paraelectric transition that bounds the device operating range |
| Melting point | ~1,570 C (PbO loss begins well below this, near 800-900 C) | Constrains sintering and post-deposition anneal temperatures to avoid lead volatilisation |
| Magnetic type | Diamagnetic | No magnetic interference with substrate, chamber hardware, or downstream device processing |
Types & Grades of Lead Zirconate
Lead Zirconate targets are offered in standard catalogue sizes and grades, with custom purity, density, and geometry available for OEM and R&D deposition systems.
| Grade / Form | Typical Purity | Key Features / Uses |
|---|
| 2N (99%) | 99% | general-purpose research grade for early-stage process development and non-critical film stacks |
| 3N (99.9%) | 99.9% | standard grade for routine antiferroelectric and piezoelectric thin-film deposition, matches Infinita’s core catalogue sizes |
| 4N (99.99%) | 99.99% | reduced trace-metal content for microelectronic and MEMS films sensitive to leakage current |
| 5N (99.999%) | 99.999% | ultra-high-purity grade for low-defect-density capacitor films and fundamental phase-transition studies |
| Bonded target (In-bonded to Cu backing plate) | matches base target grade | improves thermal conductivity and cooling for extended runs in production magnetron systems |
Applications of Lead Zirconate
Sputtered films of Lead Zirconate support demanding roles across research and production applications where this material’s specific structural, electronic, or optical properties are the key requirement.
| Industry | Application | Function |
|---|
| Microelectronics/MEMS | Antiferroelectric thin-film capacitors | Provides large field-induced polarisation change for compact charge storage |
| Energy storage | Pulsed-power and high-power-density capacitors | delivers rapid antiferroelectric-to-ferroelectric switching under applied field |
| Piezoelectric devices | MEMS actuators and micro-pumps | Converts electric field into mechanical strain through field-induced phase switching |
| Ferroelectric device fabrication | Compositional tuning layer for PZT/PLZT stacks | Adjusts local Zr content to shift the morphotropic phase boundary and Curie point |
| RF and tunable electronics | Voltage-tunable capacitors and phase shifters | supplies field-dependent permittivity for tunable dielectric elements |
| Academic and materials research | Model antiferroelectric perovskite for phase-transition studies | Serves as the reference compound for antiferroelectricity in the perovskite literature |
Why Partner with Infinita Materials?
- Technical Depth: in-house quality control with ICP-MS and XRF purity verification, density measurement, and full certificates of analysis on every target.
- Global Logistics: reliable supply from single R&D-scale targets to production-line volumes, with established international shipping.
- Responsive Support: direct access to materials engineers for grade, bonding, and geometry selection, and process-compatibility questions.
Take the Next Step
Infinita Materials fabricates Lead Zirconate sputtering targets engineered to the purity, density, and geometry your deposition process requires. Whether the requirement is a standard catalogue target or a custom size, purity, or bonded assembly, our team can help match the right specification to your deposition system. Request a quote or speak with our technical team to discuss your target specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lead Zirconate, PbZrO3
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