Review of crystal and domain structures in the PbZr_xTi_1-xO₃ solid solution

Several intermediate phases have recently been identified in the PbZrxTi1-xO3 (PZT) phase diagram, located close to the antiferroelectric-ferroelectric and morphotropic phase boundaries. Superlattice reflections from some of these phases are clearly visible in the appropriate electron diffraction patterns and have therefore been used to provide further information concerning their symmetry.

Here, the structural distortions giving rise to the new phases are discussed and their domain structures compared with those of tetragonal and rhombohedral PZT. Coherent structural arguments are presented to explain the observed phase transition sequences.