Synthesis of highly oriented tungsten bronze K(Pb0.6Ba0.4)2Nb5O15 thin films by the chemical solution deposition method

Crack-free K(Pb0.6Ba0.4)(2)Nb5O15 (KPBN60) thin films have been synthesized by the chemical solution deposition method. A homogeneous and stable precursor solution could be prepared by controlling the reaction of metal-organic compounds in 3-methoxyethanol. KPBN60 precursor powder crystallized in the tungsten bronze phase above 700 degrees C. KPBN60 thin films on MgO(100) and Pt(100)/MgO(100) also crystallized in the tungsten bronze phase with preferred c-axis orientation. Two crystal lattice planes of KPBN60 were intergrown at an orientation of 18.5 degrees on MgO(100) and Pt(100)/MgO(100) substrates. The KPBN60 thin films on Pt(100)/MgO(100) substrates exhibited typical ferroelectric P-E hysteresis loops.