The Growth of Single Crystal-Like and Polycrystal KNbO3 Films Via Sol-Gel Process

Abstract
Transparent and uniform thin films of crystalline KNbO3 were synthesized on different substrates such as SrTiO3, ZrO2, MgO and Pt by the dip-coating method using a double alkoxides solution. The film was epitaxially crystallized at the temperature around 750°C for 3 hours in air on SrTiO3 single crystal substrate. The structure of the films has been studied with X-ray and electron diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy.Different molar ratios of 2-ethylhexanoic acid (2EHA) to alkoxides were applied to control the hydrolysis rate of the sol-gel solution. Dense films were obtained after modification of the alkoxides solution.