Effect of synthesis conditions on the nanopowder properties of Ce0.9Zr0.1O2

In this work, the synthesis of nanocrystalline Ce0.9Zr0.1O2 powders via the gel-combustion method, using different fuels, and following either stoichiometric or non-stoichiometric pH-controlled routes is investigated. The objective is to evaluate the effect of synthesis conditions on the textural and morphological properties, and the crystal structure of the synthesized materials. The solids were characterized by nitrogen physisorption, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XPD), and Carbon–Hydrogen–Nitrogen Elemental Analysis (CHN).All the powders exhibited nanometric crystallite size, fluorite-type structure and negligible carbon content. Synthesis conditions strongly affect the average crystallite size, the degree of agglomeration, the specific surface area and the pore volume. Our results indicate that, by controlling the synthesis conditions it is possible to obtain solids with custom-made morphological properties.

Graphical abstract. The synthesis of nanocrystalline Ce0.9Zr0.1O2 powders via the gel-combustion method, using different fuels, and following either stoichiometric or non-stoichiometric pH-controlled routes is investigated.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► All samples exhibited the fluorite-type crystal structure, nanometric average crystallite size and negligible carbon content. ► Synthesis conditions strongly affect the average crystallite size, the degree of agglomeration, the specific surface area and the pore volume. ► Our results indicate that, by controlling the synthesis conditions it is possible to obtain solids with custom-made morphological properties.