Fabrication and Characterization of a PZT-Based Touch Sensor Using Combined Spin-Coating and Sputtering Methods

This study presents the successful fabrication of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films on silicon (Si) substrates using a hybrid deposition method combining spin-coating and RF sputtering techniques. Initially, a PZT layer was deposited through four successive spin-coating cycles, followed by an additional layer formed via RF sputtering. The resulting multilayer structure was annealed at 700 °C for 2 h to improve crystallinity. Comprehensive material characterization was conducted using XRD, SEM, cross-sectional SEM, EDX, and UV-VIS absorbance spectroscopy. The analyses confirmed the formation of a well-crystallized perovskite phase, a uniform surface morphology, and an optical band gap of approximately 3.55 eV, supporting its suitability for sensing applications. Building upon these findings, a multilayer PZT-based touch sensor was fabricated and electrically characterized. Low-frequency I-V measurements demonstrated consistent and repeatable polarization behavior under cyclic loading conditions. In addition, |Z|-f measurements were performed to assess the sensor's dynamic electrical behavior. Although expected dielectric responses were observed, the absence of distinct anti-resonance peaks suggested non-idealities linked to Ag+ ion diffusion from the electrode layers. To account for these effects, the classical Butterworth-Van Dyke (BVD) equivalent circuit model was extended with additional inductive and resistive components representing parasitic pathways. This modified model provided excellent agreement with the measured impedance and phase data, offering deeper insight into the interplay between material degradation and electrical performance. Overall, the developed sensor structure exhibits strong potential for use in piezoelectric sensing applications, particularly for tactile and pressure-based interfaces.