The influence of preparation conditions on ZrO2 nanoparticles with different PEG–PPG–PEG surfactants by statistical experimental design

In this study mesoporous Zirconia powder with high surface area was prepared by using PEG–PPG–PEG new block copolymer as the non-ionic surfactant. The preparation conditions were optimized by Taguchi method of experimental design and Minitab Software to synthesize high surface area tetragonal-ZrO2 nanoparticles. The BET surface area of powders was 114–175 m2/gr and the particles size calculated by Deby–Sherrer equation was 5–9 nm. pH = 11, aging time 38 h, Zr molarity 0.03, Surfactant/Zr mole ratio 0.04 and molecular weight 8400 were the best conditions to manufacture ZrO2 with higher surface area. The sample prepared under optimized conditions was compared to that synthesized by PEG surfactant. XRD patterns of two ZrO2 samples, hysteresis loop, pore size distribution, BET surface area and SEM results are similar.

► Mesoporous tetragonal-Zirconia with high surface area prepared by PEG–PPG–PEG surfactant.
► Preparation conditions optimized by Taguchi method and Minitab Software.
► The sample prepared under optimized conditions compared to that synthesized by PEG.
► Characteristic properties of ZrO2 powders with PEG–PPG–PEG and PEG are similar.