Sol–gel synthesis of high surface area nanostructured zirconia powder by surface chemical modification

In this study, high surface area nanostructured zirconia powders were synthesized by a simple surface chemical modification method. Zirconia gels were prepared by the hydrolysis and condensation of zirconium n-propoxide in n-propanol using deionized water and nitric acid (1 mM). The hydrolysis water used in the sol–gel process has the exceptional ability to tailor the nanostructural formation and hence, the textural properties of the final powder. Moreover, surface chemical modification facilitates the spring back effect in zirconia gels and helps to sustain the textural properties of the final product after ambient pressure drying. The zirconia powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis. The as-synthesized nanostructured zirconia powders had a large BET surface area of 354 m2/g, a pore volume of 0.448 cm3/g, and an average pore size of 57 Å. As a result, they can be applied as catalysts in many fields.

The amount of hydrolysis water determines the degree of hydrolysis and the type of initial species formed affecting the polymerization of hydrolyzed zirconium propoxides and tailors the nanostructure formation. Surface chemical modification facilitates the spring back effect in zirconia gels and helps to sustain the textural properties of corresponding nanostructured zirconia powder.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Amount of hydrolysis water during sol–gel process tailors nanostructure formation.
► Hydrolysis water determines the degree of hydrolysis affecting the polymerization.
► Zirconia prepared with H2O:Zr4 + ≥ 4 has smaller pores and particles.
► Surface chemical modification helps to sustain the textural properties of zirconia.
► Surface area of nanostructured zirconia increased with H2O:Zr4 + (≥ 4) molar ratio.