Synthesis and microstructure of zirconia nanopowders by glycothermal processing

ZrO2 nanoparticles were prepared under high temperature and high pressure conditions by precipitation from metal nitrates with aqueous potassium hydroxide. The effects of synthesis parameters, such as the concentration of starting solution, pH of starting solution, reaction temperature and time, were discussed. The results show that the ZrO2 nanoparticles are obtained at 230–270 °C. The average size and size distribution of the synthesized particles are below 10 nm and narrow, respectively. The XRD pattern shows that the synthesized particles are composed of crystalline. The synthesis of ZrO2 nanosized crystalline particles is possible under glycothermal conditions in ethylene glycol solution.