Synthesis of Zirconia Fine Particles from Zirconium Peroxo Complex Solutions

Abstract

Zirconium peroxo complex solutions were prepared and used as a source of zirconia fine particles via a solution route. White precipitates were obtained by heating the solution at 353-373K, and then they were dried and fired at 873-1273K to form tetragonal zirconia particles. Higher temperature and longer time for the heating caused the crystallization temperature as high as 1173K or more. The particles were strongly aggregated but with very fine crystallite size less than 10nm, which should be attributed to this unusual crystallization behavior. The addition of some polymers in the solution improved the aggregation, and the specific surface area increased up to 240m ²/g.