Solvent effect on microstructure of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) particles in solvothermal synthesis

Using methanol or methanol/2-propanol mixtures as reaction media, yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) particles were synthesized with a solvothermal route. The particles were characterized with X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), laser diffraction technique, and nitrogen adsorption isotherms. Results indicated that cubic/tetragonal YSZ nanocrystals with crystal size lower than 5 nm were obtained and the crystal size depends on solvent composition, reaction temperature and reaction time. For the same reaction temperature and reaction time, the solvent composition also controls YSZ crystal agglomeration behaviour. According to the DLVO theory and analysis of experimental results, the solvent effect on microstructures of YSZ particles in solvothermal synthesis has been discussed. In addition, the mechanism of particle microstructure evolution during solvothermal synthesis has been suggested.