Electrochemical Synthesis of Zirconia

Abstract

ABSTRACTZirconia powder was produced in aqueous solution from zirconyl nitrate using electrogenerated base. Both divided and undivided electrochemical cells were used. In the divided cell, hydroxide ion was discharged in the cathode compartment, and hydrated zirconia was produced. The as-produced material was weakly agglomerated, amorphous, and had a surface area of up to 316 m2/g. The surface area of the powder did not vary systematically with the electrosynthesis current density, but did depend on subsequent processing. Crystalline zirconia was produced by calcining in air at temperatures above 400°C. Tetragonal zirconia was the only phase observed until about 800°C. After calcining at 800°C the crystallite size increased to about 20nm and about 34% monoclinic zirconia was produced. When an undivided cell was used, the pH remained constant (1–1.5) throughout the electrosynthesis, and amorphous zirconia deposited on the cathode.