Synthesis of strontium zirconate as nanocrystals through a single step combustion process

Nanocrystals of strontium zirconium oxide (SrZrO3), a high dielectric constant (ε′ = 60) ceramic, were synthesized using an auto-igniting combustion of a precursor solution containing metal ions, oxidant, and a fuel. Phase-purity and particulate properties of the as-prepared powder were examined using X-ray diffraction, differential thermal and thermogravimetric analyses, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopic techniques. As-prepared powder was single phase, crystalline, and composed of uniform particles with sizes of ∼ 15–25 nm. These nanocrystals were sintered to high density (∼ 98% of the theoretical density) at 1470 °C for 4 h.