Characterization of ultrafine zirconia and iron oxide powders prepared under hydrothermal conditions

Abstract

Nanocrystalline zirconia (6-20 nm) and iron oxide (20-80 nm) powders were produced by hydrothermal treatment of corresponding hydroxides and nitrate solutions. The synthesis parameters (temperature, duration, concentration) allow fabrication of ultrafine oxide powders with various particle size and morphology. The smallest particles were produced by short-time (4-7 s) treatment of nitrate solutions (PH ≈ 1). Prepared nanocrystalline powders exhibit high activity in model solid state reactions.