Compatibility of RuO2 electrodes with PZT ceramics

Because of its high electrical conductivity and good diffusion barrier properties ruthenium dioxide (RuO2) is a good electrode material for use with ferroelectric lead zirconate–titanate (PZT) solid solutions. Under certain conditions, RuO2 can react with PZT to form lead ruthenate (Pb2Ru2O6⋅5) during processing at elevated temperatures resulting in lead depletion from PZT. The standard Gibbs energies of formation of RuO2 and Pb2Ru2O6⋅5 and activities of components of the PZT solid solution have been determined recently. Using this data along with older thermodynamic information on PbZrO3 and PbTiO3, the stability domain of Pb2Ru2O6⋅5 is computed as a function of PZT composition, temperature and oxygen partial pressure in the gas phase. The results show PbZrO3-rich compositions are more prone to react with RuO2 at all temperatures. Increasing temperature and decreasing oxygen partial pressure suppress the reaction. Graphically displayed are the reaction zones as a function of oxygen partial pressure and PZT composition at temperatures 973, 1173 and 1373 K.