Structural Characterization of Zirconia Nanoparticles Prepared by Microwave-Hydrothermal Synthesis

Abstract

Nanocrystalline zirconia powders have been prepared by microwave-hydrothermal synthesis starting from aqueous solution of ZrOCl₂·8H₂O. Results of investigations on the aqueous suspension stability of the washed zirconia nanopowders by dynamic light scattering showed that the suspension, constituted by superaggregates of nanoparticles (131 ± 10 nm), was stable up to 15 days. Nanopowders were investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy and small angle x-ray scattering measurements which proved that the zirconia nanopowder is constituted by small primary nanoparticles of ca. 8 nm that agglomerate forming bigger aggregates of 50 ± 1 nm.

Keywords:

• Electron microscopy
• nanostructures
• oxides
• surface properties

The authors would like to thank the MIUR for supporting this research through the PRIN 2004 prot. 2004033823: “Chemical processes under magnetic field irradiation for a sustainable chemistry” and to the “Centro Grandi Apparecchiature,” of Palermo University, financed through POR Sicilia 2000–2006, Misura 3.15 Azione C for the opportunity to perform SAXS measurements.