Characterization of mechanochemically synthesized ZrB₂ nanocrystals with Zr/ZrO₂, B₂O₃, and Mg reactants

Abstract

Pure forms of Zirconium diboride (ZrB₂) nanocrystals could successfully be synthesized by mechanochemical method. Synthesis of ZrB₂ nanocrystals from Zirconium route was tried for the first time. The importance of zirconium sources is a cardinal factor to obtain the purity of the crystalline forms of ZrB₂. All past methods involved ZrO₂ source for the synthesis which always entrained the traces of ZrO₂ due to the incomplete reduction. The present study also revealed the factors like ball to powder weight ratios on the final product properties. In this study synthesis of ZrB₂ nanocrystals were compared using both Zr and ZrO₂ routes. Products were characterized by XRD, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, BET method, and specific density analysis. The synthesis using Zr produced slightly larger nanocrystallites compared the sizes obtained via ZrO₂ route. Surface areas of the products were found 32–88 m²/g depending upon the milling parameters used.

Keywords:

• Zirconium diboride
• mechanochemical method
• transition metals
• ball-milling
• nanocrystals

Additional information

Funding

The authors are very grateful to Eti Maden Works General Management for financial support and laboratory facilities usage.