Fabrication and stabilization of nanocrystalline ordered mesoporous MgO–ZrO2 solid solution

The crystalline mesoporous MgO–ZrO2 solid solutions have been fabricated by a simple evaporation induced self assembly procedure with zirconyl chloride octahydrate (ZrOCl2·8H2O) and magnesium nitrate tetrahydrate (Mg(NO3)2·4H2O) as metal precursors and triblock co-polymer of Pluronic P123 as templating agent. Small-angle X-ray diffraction (SXRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results showed that ordered mesoporous structure and worm-like mesoporous structure were obtained under different calcine temperatures. Wide angle X-ray diffraction (WXRD) indicated that the formation of homogeneous solid solutions were responsible for the stable tetragonal phase. All MgO–ZrO2 solid solutions were endowed with strong basicity (H_ = 9.3–12.2) and high water resistance. The Mg2+ doped into zirconia lattice could stabilize the tetragonal phase and prevent zirconia crystals from excessive growth. This kind of structure could also inhibit basic sites dissolve in water in the reaction and effectively improve the thermal stability of products.

Highly ordered crystalline mesoporous MgO–ZrO2 solid solutions have been fabricated by a simple evaporation induced self assembly procedure when the molar ratio of Mg/Zr was 0.25–1.0. The formation of solid solution stabilizes the tetragonal phase and effectively prevents the basic components from leaching in the reaction media involving water..Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► We synthesized ordered mesoporous MgO–ZrO2 solid solution with a simple method.
► The crystalline wall of MgO–ZrO2 can efficiently improve the thermal stability.
► This kind of structure could inhibit basic sites dissolve in water in the reaction.
► The new MgO–ZrO2 solid solution shows very promising applications in fine chemistry.