Synthesis of fine spherical zirconia particles by controlled hydrolysis of zirconium alkoxide in the high temperature range above 50 °C

Abstract

Fine spherical zirconia particles were synthesized by controlled hydrolysis of zirconium tetrabutoxide in 1-propanol in the high temperature range above 50 °C and principally at a water molar ratio defined by [H 2O] 0/[Zr(OC 4H 9) 4] 0 equal to 3. The nucleation process was not completely separated from the particle growth process, but a coagulative nucleation and growth mechanism seemed to be operative.