Phase composition controllable preparation of zirconia nanocrystals via solvothermal method

► Zirconia nanocrystals were synthesized via simple solvothermal approach. ► Phase composition in sample with tetragonal and/or monoclinic phase can be adjusted by changing reaction time. ► Both pure t-ZrO2 and pure m-ZrO2 show perfect dispersibility. ► Kinetic analysis revealed the crystallization mechanism of zirconia nanomaterials.