The effect of PbO evaporation on the photovoltaic properties of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics has been studied. The samples were prepared by the solid state sintering using the tetragonal phase composition $Pb(Zr_{0.4}Ti_{0.6})O_3$. Excess PbO was also added to the samples in various amounts from 0.0-1.0 wt.%. To compare PbO volatility the samples were sintered with and without atmosphere powder $(PbZrO_3)$ at 1150℃ for 3h. To find out the behavior of PbO evaporation big specimens were made and separated parts from surface to interior. To compare surface with interior the samples were grinded from surface to interior. Photovoltaic currents were measured under 300W Xenon lamp radiation in the absence of applied field. The resulting PbO evaporation given by a measurement of weight change varied from -0.4615 wt.% to +0.4580wt.%. The sintered density was found to maintain with increasing PbO content. The sample with large amount of PbO evaporation has second phase $(ZrO_2)$ measured by X-ray diffraction.
The more evaporating of PbO the less photovoltaic current was obtained. It was explained by reducing ferroelectric phase in the sample. The sample occurred a large amount of PbO evaporation had different concentration of PbO from surface to interior. It was found the photovoltaic current was reduced by grinding the sample.
The big specimen was sintered at 1150℃ for 7 and 10 hour to evaporating PbO. The results of big specimen experimental informed the evaporation of PbO occurred interior first. It was explained by large diffusion velocity of PbO in high temperature.
