Synthesis of nano-sized ZrO2 and its use as catalyst support in SCR

The present paper presents a simple method for the reliable preparation of nano-scaled ZrO2. In this wet synthesis, a stable Zr sol is produced by using a mixture of Zr(OC3H7)4, HNO3 and H2O. Precipitation is firstly achieved when ammoniac conditions are adjusted. Zirconia is formed by annealing the gel-like product at 200 °C resulting in agglomerated particles. De-agglomeration is simply achieved by ultrasonic exposure leading to particles of about 60 nm revealing a BET surface area of 150 m2/g. The beneficial effect of this nano-sized material as compared to bulk ZrO2 is shown in SCR using corresponding Fe2O3/ZrO2 patterns.