Hydrothermal synthesis of ZrO2–Y2O3 solid solutions at low temperature

Ultrafine powders of ZrO2–Y2O3 solid solutions have been synthesized by hydrothermal treatment at 110°C. Zirconia gel, crystalline Y2O3 and various mineralizing solutions have been utilized as precursors for the hydrothermal synthesis. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) with different Y2O3 content and characterized by different crystallite sizes have been produced by changing the hydrothermal treatment temperature, and the nature and concentration of the mineralizer solution. The role of mineralizer solutions on the crystallization-stabilization of zirconia gel at low temperature of hydrothermal treatment is discussed.