Optimizing the preparation parameters of nanocrystalline zirconia for catalytic applications

Abstract

Nanocrystalline zirconia powder with high surface area and high tetragonal phase percentage is prepared by the precipitation method using ammonium hydroxide as a precipitating agent. The pH of precipitation, preparation temperature and calcinations’ temperature are optimized. Crystallite size, specific surface area, tetragonal phase percentage and the thermal stability of the prepared samples are identified by different characterization tools such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), BET surface area, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The optimum preparation parameters for obtaining nanocrystalline zirconia with high percentage of tetragonal phase and high surface area are pH 9, preparation temperature of 80 °C and calcinations’ temperature of 400 °C. The sample prepared under optimized conditions showed a high specific surface area of 179.2 m2/g, high tetragonal phase percentage of 81% and high catalytic activity (60%) for synthesis of butyl acetate ester.