The Growth of Single Crystal-Like and Polycrystal KNbO 3 Films Via Sol-Gel Process

Transparent and uniform thin films of crystalline KNbO 3 were synthesized on different substrates such as SrTiO 3 , ZrO 2 , 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 SrTiO 3 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.