Effect of phase transformation on optical and dielectric properties of zirconium oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

Zirconium oxide nanoparticle (ZrO₂) is synthesized by the hydrothermal method at different calcination temperatures. The structural analysis is carried out by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra. The sample prepared at 400 °C and 1100 °C showed the cubic and monoclinic phase, respectively, and the sample calcined at 600 °C and 800 °C showed the mixed phase with co-existence of cubic and monoclinic phases. Furthermore, the morphology and particle size of these samples were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis. The band gap estimated from UV–Vis spectra of ZrO₂ (zirconia) nanocrystalline materials calcined at different temperatures from 400 °C to 1100 °C was in the range of 2.6–4.2 eV. The frequency dependence of dielectric constant and dielectric loss was investigated at room temperature. The low frequency region of dielectric constant is attributed to space charge effects.

Keywords:

• hydrothermal synthesis of ZrO₂
• phase evaluation of ZrO₂
• optical
• dielectric properties of ZrO₂

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Dr M.V. Shankar and Dr B. Vijay Kumar Naidu, Department of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Y.V. University, Kadapa for their constant support. They are also thankful to Dr J. Mercy Vijetha for her help in English correction through manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.