Synthesis of monodisperse spherical nanometer ZrO2 (Y2O3) powders via the coupling route of w/o emulsion with urea homogenous precipitation

Using xylol as the oil phase, span-80 as the surfactant, and an aqueous solution containing zirconium (3 mol% Y2O3) and urea as the water phase, tetragonal phase ZrO2 nano-powders have been prepared via the coupling route of w/o emulsion with urea homogenous precipitation. The effects of the zirconium concentration, the reaction temperature and the urea content on the average size of the products have been examined. The as-prepared ZrO2 powders and the precursor powders were characterized by TGA–DTA, XRD, TEM and BET. Experimental results indicate that ZrO2 powders prepared via the coupling route of w/o emulsion with urea homogenous precipitation possess some excellent characteristics, such as well-rounded spherical shape and excellent dispersing.

In this paper, the weight loss and reaction evolution of ZrO2 precursor powders are determined by TG–DTA, and 600 °C is the most reasonable calcination temperature of precursor according to the TG–DTA. At the same time, we study the effect of reaction conditions upon the particle sizes, such as concentration of zirconium nitrate solution, reaction temperature and urea content. TEM micrographs of zirconia powders indicated that ZrO2 nano-powders prepared via the coupling route of w/o emulsion with homogenous precipitation possess spherical shape and excellent dispersing.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The monodisperse spherical nanometer ZrO2 (Y2O3) powders have been prepared via the coupling route of w/o emulsion with urea homogenous precipitation.
► The principle of the coupling route of emulsion with homogenous precipitation has been studied.
► The concentration of zirconium nitrate, reaction temperature of water bath and the quantity of urea effect regularly on the average particle size of products.