Low temperature synthesis of pure cubic ZrO2 nanopowder: Structural and luminescence studies

Abstract

Pure cubic zirconia (ZrO2) nanopowder is prepared for the first time by simple low temperature solution combustion method without calcination. The product is characterized by Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy (FTIR) and Ultraviolet–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis). The PXRD showed the formation of pure stable cubic ZrO2 nanopowders with average crystallite size ranging from 6 to 12nm. The lattice parameters were calculated from Rietveld refinement method. SEM micrograph shows fluffy, mesoporous, agglomerated particles with large number of voids. TEM micrograph shows honey comb like arrangement of particles with particle size ∼10nm. The PL emission spectrum excited at 210nm and 240nm consists of intense bands centered at ∼365 and ∼390nm. Both the samples show shoulder peak at ∼420nm, along with four weak emission bands at ∼484, ∼528, ∼614 and ∼726nm. TL studies were carried out pre-irradiating samples with γ-rays ranging from 1 to 5KGy at room temperature. A well resolved glow peak at 377°C is recorded which can be ascribed to deep traps. With increase in γ radiation there is linear increase in TL intensity which shows the possible use of ZrO2 as dosimetric material.