Pbzr(0.53)Ti(0.47)O(3) (PZT) nanoparticles within the size range 1-8 nm were synthesized by auto-ignition of metal-polymer gel in single step without any calcination. The auto ignitable gel was obtained by adjustment of nitrate/polymer molar ratio. The amount of the carbonaceous residue in the as-ignited powder was negligible. The as-ignited ultrafine PZT powders showed excellent sinterability and were sintered directly to about 96% of the theoretical density at 1000 degrees C without any further calcination. Dielectric loss of the sintered PZT sample at room temperature was very low and increased very slowly up to 300 degrees C, which is advantageous for dielectric application point of view. The measured value of remnant polarization of the 1100 degrees C-sintered sample was 54.2 mu C/cm(2), which is considerably higher than the value reported in the literature for the same composition. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.