Synthesis of ceramic oxide powders by microwave plasma pyrolysis

Abstract

Ceramic powders prepared pyrolytically exhibit homogeneity and, in most cases, small grain sizes. The energy efficiency of electrically heated systems performing the pyrolysis in a stream of carrier gas is poor. Similar considerations concerning energy demand are valid for spray drying of suspensions. This situation can be improved using a microwave plasma as a source for thermal energy. The process described in this paper works with any aqueous solution of salts used as starting material in ceramics. The process was demonstrated by the synthesis of alumina, zirconia, and zirconia-based ceramic powders; where an energy efficiency of more than 80% was found. For the powder synthesis, aqueous solutions of the nitrates were used as starting materials. Through proper selection of conditions for synthesis, it is possible to obtain nanocrystalline powders, as demonstrated by electron microscopy. Because of the extreme conditions associated with plasma during synthesis, it is possible to prepare nonequilibrium structures and solid solutions in systems in which nearly no equilibrium solubility exists.