Synthesis and characterization of Ce–TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposites prepared via aqueous combustion

Nanocomposites of Ce–TZP/Al2O3 were synthesized by aqueous combustion, and urea, ammonium acetate and glycine were used as mixtures of fuels with the corresponding metal nitrates. Thermodynamic modeling was conducted to anticipate the effect of the alumina content on the exothermicity of the combustion procedure. The thermodynamic properties of the combustion reaction indicated that as the alumina content increased, the amount of gases produced during the reaction increased with a decrease in the adiabatic temperature. Furthermore, to reduce the particle size of the powders, a series of combustion reactions were performed to optimize the fuel composition and alumina content. Ce0.1Zr0.9O2–0.80Al2O3 nanocomposites prepared from 80 mol% alumina had a mean particle size of ∼15 nm. Alternatively, samples containing 20 mol% alumina had a mean particle size of ∼30 nm. X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and BET surface area analysis were conducted to characterize the powders.

► First report about the synthesis of Ce–TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposites by aqueous combustion.
► The mixture-of-fuels has an important influence on the size of alumina nanoparticles.
► The alumina content has an important influence on the particle size of Ce–TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposites.
► This study has concluded that 80 mol% alumina showed smallest particles.