Formation of zirconium and nickel oxide nanoparticles via oxidation of quenched melted Ni–Zr alloys

Melted Ni60Zr40 alloy, synthesized via arc melting, was quenched in liquid nitrogen and subsequently oxidized at 1073 K for 2 h. The amorphous phase, resulting from quenching, is characterized by large open porosity and consists of agglomerates of small particles. Preferential oxidation and segregation induce distinct NiO and ZrO2 agglomerates, which are composed of nanograins. The near spherical NiO particles have a diameter in the range 10–50 nm. The process may provide an approach for synthesizing composite oxide ceramic powders.