Synthesis of monodisperse spherical nanometer ZrO{sub 2} (Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}) powders via the coupling route of w/o emulsion with urea homogenous precipitation
Graphical abstract: In this paper, the weight loss and reaction evolution of ZrO{sub 2} precursor powders are determined by TG-DTA, and 600 Degree-Sign C is the most reasonable calcination temperature of precursor according to the TG-DTA. At the same time, we study the effect of reaction conditions upon the particle sizes, such as concentration of zirconium nitrate solution, reaction temperature and urea content. TEM micrographs of zirconia powders indicated that ZrO{sub 2} nano-powders prepared via the coupling route of w/o emulsion with homogenous precipitation possess spherical shape and excellent dispersing. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The monodisperse spherical nanometer ZrO{sub 2} (Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}) powders have been prepared via the coupling route of w/o emulsion with urea homogenous precipitation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The principle of the coupling route of emulsion with homogenous precipitation has been studied. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The concentration of zirconium nitrate, reaction temperature of water bath and the quantity of urea effect regularly on the average particle size of products. -- Abstract: Using xylol as the oil phase, span-80 as the surfactant, and an aqueous solution containing zirconium (3 mol% Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}) and urea as the water phase, tetragonal phase ZrO{sub 2} nano-powders have been prepared via the coupling route of w/o emulsion with urea homogenous precipitation. The effects of the zirconium concentration, the reaction temperature and the urea content on the average size of the products have been examined. The as-prepared ZrO{sub 2} powders and the precursor powders were characterized by TGA-DTA, XRD, TEM and BET. Experimental results indicate that ZrO{sub 2} powders prepared via the coupling route of w/o emulsion with urea homogenous precipitation possess some excellent characteristics, such as well-rounded spherical shape and excellent dispersing.