Microstructure and Materials Characterization of Sol-Gel Synthesized ZrO2 Systems
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Date
2019
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Tanzania Journal of Science
Abstract
The roles of pH and thermal treatment on the microstructures of sol-gel synthesized mesoporous
ZrO2 systems have been investigated. In order to control the crystal structure and particle size of
the final products, the pH values of the reaction mixtures were controlled between 5 and 12
followed by calcination at temperatures ranging from 450 to 1000 °C. The microstructures of the
zirconia systems were then examined by XRD, TEM, TGA, UV-visible DRS and nitrogen
physisorption study analyses. It was found that pH values and calcination temperatures have
significant influence on the crystallization temperature, phase transformation and particle size of
the ZrO2 systems. Pure tetragonal and monoclinic ZrO2 crystals or a mixture of tetragonal and
monoclinic ZrO2 crystals with controlled particle size could readily be yielded by maintaining the
pH values and the calcination temperatures. This study therefore elucidates a facile approach to
yielding sol-gel synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles with controlled phase and particle size.
Description
The roles of pH and thermal treatment on the microstructures of sol-gel synthesized mesoporous
ZrO2 systems have been investigated. In order to control the crystal structure and particle size of
the final products, the pH values of the reaction mixtures were controlled between 5 and 12
followed by calcination at temperatures ranging from 450 to 1000 °C. The microstructures of the
zirconia systems were then examined by XRD, TEM, TGA, UV-visible DRS and nitrogen
physisorption study analyses. It was found that pH values and calcination temperatures have
significant influence on the crystallization temperature, phase transformation and particle size of
the ZrO2 systems. Pure tetragonal and monoclinic ZrO2 crystals or a mixture of tetragonal and
monoclinic ZrO2 crystals with controlled particle size could readily be yielded by maintaining the
pH values and the calcination temperatures. This study therefore elucidates a facile approach to
yielding sol-gel synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles with controlled phase and particle size.