Process for production of solution-derived (Pb,La)(Nb,Sn,Zr,Ti)O.sub.3 thin films and powders

A method for making a ferroelectric-material precursor solution, comprising,

• solubilizing a lead compound in an amine solvent to form a first solution;
• forming a second solution by adding a titanium compound and x moles of a zirconium compound to a second solvent, wherein x.gtoreq.0;
• combining said first solution with said second solution to yield a ferroelectric-material precursor solution;
• adding at least one precursor compound selected from the group consisting of a lanthanum precursor compound, a niobium precursor compound, and a tin precursor compound to produce another ferroelectric-material precursor solution;
• removing essentially all volatile material through vacuum distillation to form a powder;
• and
• sintering said powder to produce a mixed-metal oxide, ferroelectric material.

A method for making a ferroelectric-material precursor solution, comprising,

• solubilizing a lead compound in an amine solvent to form a first solution;
• forming a second solution by adding a titanium compound and x moles of a zirconium compound to a second solvent, wherein x.gtoreq.0;
• combining said first solution with said second solution to yield a ferroelectric-material precursor solution;
• adding at least one precursor compound selected from the group consisting of a lanthanum precursor compound, a niobium precursor compound, and a tin precursor compound to produce another ferroelectric-material precursor solution;
• producing a thin film by spin cast deposition of the precursor solution in air at approximately 3000 rpm for about 30 seconds;
• and
• sintering said thin film to produce a mixed-metal oxide, ferroelectric material.