Lead titanate (PbTiO3, PT) crystals were synthesized from oxides, namely PbO and TiO2, by a hydrothermal route, in which the precursors were heated to 150 degrees C with durations from 8 to 32 h. The homogeneous PbTiO3 crystals with a single perovskite structure were obtained through the synthesis route. The influences of the Pb/Ti ratio, the KOH concentration, and the reaction time on the morphology and microstructure of PbTiO3 crystals were investigated. By surveying the variations of the crystal micrographs, another formation mechanism could be proposed, as the following: dissolution-precipitation (nucleation)-crystal growth-recrystallization. Moreover, crystal growth was controlled by a layer-by-layer mode when the reaction time was prolonged. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.