This study explores the synthesis of lead oxide (PbO) using sol-gel methods and its consequential effects on the structure and morphology of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) (52/48). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirms the orthorhombic massicot phase of PbO and reveals smaller crystallite sizes compared to commercially available PbO. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicates that PbOsyn consists of highly pure nanoparticles (0.69 µm), in contrast to PbOcom (0.98 µm).FTIR analysis further supports our findings by confirming the presence of lead oxide (Pb-O) vibrations. Subsequently, PsynZT and PcomZT, derived from PbOsyn and PbOcom, are prepared via a solid-state method, revealing disparities in phase formation. At 800°C, PsynZT demonstrates complete PZT phase formation, while PcomZT exhibits intermediate phases (PL). XRD analysis confirms the stability of the PZT phases at the sintering temperature of 1180°C, with SEM analysis verifying nanometric grain morphology. PsynZT exhibits higher mass density, lower porosity, and improved compactness compared to PcomZT. This research underscores the advantages of the sol-gel method for PbO synthesis and emphasizes the critical role of precursor selection in enhancing material properties.

Lead oxide, MPB phase, sol-gel synthesis, crystallite size, precursor selection.